Jaden Ivey writhed in pain and eventually had to be taken off the floor on a stretcher in a scary scene that transpired with a little over 10 minutes left in the Pistons’ 105-96 win over the Magic on Wednesday.
Just how severe the injury is remains a question mark, but if Ivey’s reaction is any indication, it could be a serious issue.
The incident transpired in the fourth quarter as the Magics’ Cole Anthony went for a loose ball and wiped out Ivey in the process.
Anthony appeared to connect with the side of Ivey’s leg.
The Pistons guard appeared to bend his ankle before he went hard to the floor at Little Ceasars Arena.
Ivey’s screams of pain were audible on the TV broadcast and seemed to echo inside the arena, adding to the seriousness of the circumstances.
The 22-year-old was placed on a stretcher after being tended to by the Pistons’ medical staff.
Fans chanted his name as he was taken off the court.
“It’s tough on all of us,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff told reporters after the game, per The Athletic. “No better teammates or teammate than J.I. No one cares more about this thing than him. It’s tough to see.”
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley also expressed sympathy for Ivey over the injury.
“Just got to pray for the young man and it was heartbreaking to see that happen,” Mosley said. “You’re out there competing as best as you can and you never want to see that happen to anyone. Our thoughts and our prayers are with him. Praying that it’s not as bad as it looked. I pray for a speedy recovery whatever the case may be.”
Ivey has been a big piece of the Pistons (15-18) this season, as the team is already close to surpᴀssing their win total of 17 from 2023-24.
