Pistons’ Jaden Ivey Hits Incredible Game-Winning Shot Against Kings
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — It was a night of highs and lows for the Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings, culminating in one of the most thrilling finishes seen on the basketball court this season. Jaden Ivey connected on what would be known as the four-point play with just 3 seconds left, leading the Pistons to pull off a stunning comeback victory by narrowly defeating the Kings 114-113.
The chaos unfolded at the Golden 1 Center on December 26, 2024, where Ivey found himself trailing by three points with mere seconds remaining. After Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter sank two free throws, putting the Kings up 113-110 with 10.8 seconds left, the stage was set for Ivey’s dramatic heroics. After receiving the ball post-timeout, Ivey took to the right corner, launching a 23-foot three-pointer, which also caught De’Aaron Fox’s arm, resulting in the foul call. Not only did Ivey make the shot, but he also calmly converted the free throw, completing the play and sealing the Pistons’ incredible comeback from as much as 19 points down earlier in the game.
“When he fouled me, I was just focused on making the shot. I didn't really notice anything else at the moment,” Ivey explained, showcasing his calm demeanor under pressure.
The Pistons were on the brink of despair earlier, trailing 68-53 at halftime after the Kings surged with what seemed like commanding control over the game. Sacramento, playing without Domantas Sabonis who was sidelined by illness, looked strong, holding their largest lead of 19 points at one stage during the game.
The pivotal third quarter saw the Pistons begin to close the gap, aided by sharp-shooting from Malik Beasley, who scored 22 points including six threes. Cade Cunningham was another standout, racking up 33 points and 10 assists, as he continued to demonstrate his All-Star potential.
The defining moments of the game came late, as the Kings, led by Fox's 26 points—including 11 points contributed during the final quarter—seemed poised to win. But after the Kings appeared to run away with the match, mistakes piled on. The Pistons managed to claw their way back, outscoring Sacramento 37-22 in the fourth period. They executed several strategic plays, including baskets from Beasley and Cunningham, to reduce what seemed like an insurmountable deficit.
Fox’s pivotal foul on Ivey would live on as one of the bonehead moments of the game. Kings’ coach Mike Brown did not hold back on his disappointment post-game. “We told our guys, if somebody catches the ball with their back to the basket late, foul them. We didn’t execute. Jaden shouldn’t have had the chance to take the shot,” he lamented. Brown acknowledged Fox’s misstep, emphasizing the need for his team to stick to defensive plans. “Mental toughness is what we need moving forward,” he added.
Though the Kings had previously dominated play throughout significant stretches, their late-game struggles have been a season-long theme. This loss marked Sacramento's fifth consecutive defeat at home, raising new questions about their ability to finish close games. They now hold a dismal 3-11 record in matches decided by five points or less, showcasing their struggles to secure wins against competitive teams.
The Pistons celebrated this victory not just for the numbers on the screen, but for what it symbolizes—a chance for redemption. “This was definitely something I had never been part of before. To win like this is huge,” remarked Beasley. With this victory, the Pistons posted their third straight win, improving to 14-17 on the season.
“We never quit. We are going to play the entire 48 minutes,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff stated, clearly proud of his players for their relentless performance. Since their overtime victory over the Miami Heat, the Pistons have demonstrated growth and resilience, showcasing their character and determination each desired attribute the team has longed to exhibit throughout the turbulent season.
The Kings will look to rebound from this defeat as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers next Saturday, with hopes of reversing their fortunes. Meanwhile, the Pistons' road trip continues with their next challenge against the Denver Nuggets, where they will attempt to extend this newfound momentum and build upon the exhilarating success against Sacramento.
This game will surely be talked about for its nail-biting finish and the lesson it provides—never count out the underdog, especially when they’ve got their backs against the wall. For Jaden Ivey and the Pistons, this victory will resonate, motivating them to strive for even greater heights.
