Jaden Ivey

Labeling the Detroit Pistons as “shorthanded,” given the absence of their No. 1 scorer, might’ve been a fair assessment, as they exchanged around-the-rim crunchtime tradeoffs with the mettlesome Toronto Raptors on November 25, 2024. Under the crafty guidance of one Jaden Ivey, though, one certainly couldn’t have referred to them as “shortarmed.” Unquestioned in his role as the driver of Motor City’s final-play engine, Ivey attacks the task with fearlessness and intellect, sifting out a pick-and-roll switch against Ochai Agbaji that, after a few rhythm dribbles, opens a presentable driving lane. Needing neither balance, nor a clean look upon elevating off one foot, Ivey softly lofts a high-arcing floater off the glass and in, cementing his status as the evening’s hero. Ivey’s bucket helped Detroit establish goodwill amidst the second of a three-game road journey, momentum they ultimately catapulted into a trip-closing victory two nights later. Can’t-miss in nearly every sense, Ivey concluded his unforgettable showing with 25 points (on 10-of-13 shooting), five rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers.