NBA Summer League 2022: Fans react as Jaden Ivey drops 20 points to propel Pistons to victory over Trail Blazers

In the NBA 2K23 Summer League on Thursday at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, the Detroit Pistons defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 81-78 behind the team-high 20 points and almost double-double from Isaiah Stewart and fifth overall choice Jaden Ivey.

The Trail Blazers only managed to reduce the Pistons’ lead by three points before the half after the Pistons had built a 29-19 lead in the opening stanza. Ivey’s two free throws and a driving layup in the last minute of play gave Detroit the win. Portland kept fighting throughout the second half and managed to tie two games.

Image Credits – Purdue Exponent

Ivey and fellow first-round pick Jalen Duren provided a little preview of Detroit’s potential bright future. Ivey’s outstanding speed and athleticism were on display versus Portland, and NBA Twitter users were eager to hop on board after seeing him.

Ivey’s performance, nevertheless, was also subject to some justifiable criticism. Ivey occasionally struggled to slow down, as is frequently the case with rookie guards, and he ended up committing five turnovers. When it comes to adjusting to a faster pace at the NBA level, Detroit Summer League coach Jordan Brink recognized that there would be a learning curve.

Because of his explosion, “We’re already attempting to work on it with him,” Brink added. And now, I believe he’ll be really challenging to guard if he can slow down, sell his opponent, and then get to that explosion.

Ivey showed assurance in his shooting, which was up for debate prior to the NBA Draft. He hit all six of his free throws in addition to two 3-pointers. Of course, Ivey’s tremendous explosiveness is the aspect of his game that spectators adore seeing. Ivey pressed the turbo button and shot to the basket for a clutch layup with 35 seconds left in regulation and the Pistons leading by three points. The Pistons and Ivey’s team will meet the Wizards next on Saturday, July 9. Next week, they’ll play the Cavaliers and the Pacers.

NBA fans react to Jaden Ivey’s impressive display vs Trail Blazers

“Goddamn, this opening set from Detroit is an absolutely perfect usage of Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. Awesome.”, one fan tweeted. Another added, “Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are going to be so fun together for the Pistons. Having Casey working with both of them is going to be huge.”

 

Here are some more tweets referring to Jaden Ivey’s performance:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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