NBA: Pistons clip Kings on Jaden Ivey’s 4-point play
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, left, celebrates after guard Jaden Ivey, right, makes the game winning shot of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Sara Nevis)
SACRAMENTO, California — Jaden Ivey converted a four-point play with 3 seconds left and the Detroit Pistons rallied past the struggling Sacramento Kings 114-113 on Thursday night.
With the Pistons trailing by three, Ivey made a 3-pointer in the right corner and was fouled by De’Aaron Fox. Ivey hit the free throw to cap a 19-point comeback in the second half.
Fox missed a halfcourt shot at the buzzer.
READ: NBA: Cade Cunningham powers Pistons past Suns
JADEN IVEY 4-POINT PLAY FOR THE WIN ‼️
Pistons win 114-113 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9wuXDyj85V
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
Cade Cunningham scored 33 points to lead the Pistons. Malik Beasley added 22 off the bench, including six 3-pointers.
The Kings, who played without Domantas Sabonis (illness), led 68-53 at halftime after shooting 54% in the half.
Fox paced Sacramento with 26 points, and Trey Lyles had 20 off the bench.
Lyles had 15 at halftime. He scored 13 unanswered points in the second quarter to spark a 17-4 run by the Kings, who jumped out to a 16-point lead in the period.
Takeaways
Pistons: Detroit (14-17) has won three straight and already equaled its win total from last season. The Pistons were coming off impressive wins over the Suns and Lakers.
Kings: Sacramento (13-18) was swept on a five-game homestand, marking its longest losing streak since Mike Brown took over as coach in 2022. This was probably the worst loss of the season.
READ: NBA: Jazz knock off Pistons to end 3-game skid
Key moment
Ivey’s four-point play over Fox with his toe just behind the 3-point line gave the Pistons an improbable road win.
Key stat
The Kings were held to just two field goals in the final 3:36 and were outscored 37-22 in the fourth quarter.
Up next
Both teams are on the road Saturday, with the Kings visiting the Lakers and the Pistons at the Nuggets.
