Despite securing their fourth win in five games the Detroit Pistons were dealt a hammer blow to the remainder of their season.
The side secured a 105-96 win over the Orlando Magic but celebrations were far from jubilant after seeing one of their stars stretchered out of the game.
Jaden Ivey top-scored for the Pistons with 22 points and recently came through with a clutch game-winning 4-point play against the Sacramento Kings.
However, with 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Ivey attempted to get to a loose ball when his ankle appeared to be crushed by a falling Cole Anthony.
After over two minutes on the floor, he was stretchered away by medical staff and NBA fans and Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff have expressed their feelings over the injury.
Ivey praised for ‘strong year’
While the extent of Ivey’s injury remains somewhat unclear it does look like the star is likely to be out for a considerable amount of time.
The injury will come as a huge blow to a Pistons side who were starting to put together a strong run of results and this will now put even more pressure on the shoulders of All-Star hopeful Cade Cunningham.
Ivey was having his best season yet in Detroit and has averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists. His numbers are going to be hard to replace.
Fans across the NBA reacted to the tough injury wishing the best for Ivey.
One fan said: “Hoping for a speedy recovery, Jaden. Stay strong, champ.”
Another said: “He was having such a good year man.”
A further posted: “Awful… such a good player and a huge part of the success this year of the Pistons.”
A final fan said: “damn man he was balling.”
While many pointed out Ivey’s loss to the Pistons some were critical of Anthony’s part in the incident with one fan saying: “Such a wreckless dive by Anthony.”
Another strongly posted: “Sue Cole Anthony.”
Read more: Pistons big man threatens to beat up Russell Westbrook mid-game, Nuggets star’s response was perfect
Pistons coach explains ‘no better person’ than Ivey
While the loss of Ivey will certainly be felt on the court the Pistons Head Coach Bickerstaff also explained how he would be missed on a human level.
Asked by reporters about his emotions following the injury he said: “I mean it’s tough, it’s tough on all of us. There’s no better teammate, or person than JI [Jaden Ivey]. No one cares more about this thing than him and it’s tough to see.”
Bickerstaff went on to praise the rest of the team for getting together following the injury to their teammate and seeing out the game.
He said: “I give credit to our guys for doing it, but at the heart of this team and what we’ve tried to preach all year is the togetherness and if one guy goes down you don’t want to let them down. I thought our guys did a really good job of sticking together and getting it done.”
Ivey’s absence will be an undoubted loss for the team as they look to extend their winning run against the Charlotte Hornets next time out.
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