Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham Lead Detroit Pistons with Impressive Chemistry and Performance

As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, the Detroit Pistons are witnessing a significant resurgence, largely due to the burgeoning chemistry between guards Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham. After a season marred by injuries and lineup inconsistencies, the duo is finally getting the opportunity to play together consistently, and the results are promising.

Under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Ivey has found a new level of confidence and freedom to play to his strengths. Last season, Ivey struggled to find his role and rhythm, often starting from the bench behind Killian Hayes. However, this season, he has transformed his game, particularly in his shooting. Ivey is now hitting an impressive 42% from three-point range, a significant improvement from his 33% last season. This improvement has bolstered his overall game, with Ivey averaging 16.0 shot attempts per game, the second highest on the team.

Ivey’s aggressiveness on the court is complemented by his defensive commitment. He leads the team with 1.2 steals per game, highlighting his dedication to developing an all-around game. This defensive growth is crucial for the Pistons’ aspirations to become a playoff contender.

Cade Cunningham, who has been plagued by injuries in his previous seasons, is also showing significant growth. This season, Cunningham is averaging 25.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists, all of which are improvements from his first five games last year. His defensive numbers are also promising, with 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. Despite concerns about his turnovers, Cunningham’s overall performance is a positive sign for the team.

The combination of Cunningham and Ivey has made them one of the highest-scoring backcourt duos in the league. With 234 combined points, they are outpacing several star guards, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, and Coby White. This aggressive and in-sync guard combination is reminiscent of the Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton era for the Pistons, giving fans a lot to be optimistic about.

In terms of prop bets, Ivey’s performance is also attracting attention. For the recent game against the New York Knicks, Ivey was projected to score around 17.1 points and make approximately 1.8 three-point shots. His home court advantage and the positive matchup against the Knicks, who have allowed high three-point shooting percentages, were seen as favorable factors for his performance.