Under the Hood – it’s time to see what’s really going on inside this Pistons team.
Jaden Ivey returned to the court for the first time since he fractured his leg last season. He played for 15 minutes and finished with 10 points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal.
His first points came from a transition layup where he got to show off his speed and finesse that we’re all used to – and it’s got to be a little sweet for him to finish this over Cole Anthony.
His second bucket was a catch-and-shoot three from Cade showing he’s still confident in that jumper from last season.
The third bucket was nice, and he showed us something we don’t always see. He’s running a pick-and-pop with Javonte Green, takes a second to get the defense moving, and creates an open midrange stepback jumper. Maybe Cade taught him this one?
His final bucket was another transition layup, this time coming from Jalen Duren running the break.
Ivey’s first assist came from a drive-and-kick possesssion, finding Caris LeVert on the wing after getting into the paint against the Bucks defense.
His second assist came from a screen set from Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson. As Ivey watches the defense react, he throws a one-handed lefty steamer to Duncan for an open three.
He only missed two shots and they were both threes. The first one was a wide open look that he should shoot every time, and it’s almost from the exact same spot where he made the three above.
We miss a little of the beginning of this clip, but he attempts a side step three after a Stew screen. It’s an aggressive shot, but one that I’m happy to see him confident to take in his return to action.
He had only one turnover and it was from this offensive foul. Though, I’m not sure this is even a good call as he tries to draw contact from AJ Green.
JB Bickerstaff and his coaching staff came up with a pretty cool play that they showed at the end of the first half.
It starts with a Duren screen near halfcourt along with a pass to Ivey from Cade. With Cade’s man now behind him, he takes off around Ivey while Ivey gives it back to Duren. Duren ends up with a great angle for an immediate bounce pass to Cade for an open dunk.
It’s a great action to use Duren’s passing ability while also pulling the opposing center away from the rim. This is just another example as to how JBB has been getting Cade more looks off-ball. The broadcast gave us a great angle for this set, too.
