Jaden Ivey drops in the game-winning floater to send the Raptors home.
A reminder on The Horry Scale: It breaks down a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) in the categories of difficulty, game situation (was the team tied or behind at the time?), importance (playoff game or garden-variety night in November?) and celebration. Then we give it an overall grade on a scale of 1-5 Robert Horrys, named for the patron saint of last-second answered prayers.
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Detroit’s determined climb back to competitiveness in the Eastern Conference took another meaningful step on Monday. Jaden Ivey’s baseline shot fell through as time expired, sending the Pistons past the Raptors with a thrilling 102-100 victory.
Here’s a look at how Ivey’s heroics stack up in all the ways that matter:
GAME SITUATION: With the game tied 100-100, the Pistons enjoyed a healthy 22.7 seconds left on the game clock. Ivey, the lead creator with Cade Cunningham injured, used as much time as he could beyond the 3-point line before making his move. There was no risk of immediate loss for Ivey and Detroit, but this posed an important proving ground for both him and the team.
DIFFICULTY: Ivey earned his points here. After drawing a switch onto Ochai Agbaji, Ivey drove strong to his right. He downshifted to create space, ultimately pushing off one foot for an awkward, backward-leaning, one-handed push shot from outside the key.
CELEBRATION: The Pistons faithful, starved for signs of sustained success, erupted as Ivey’s shot went down. His teammates engulfed him under the basket, congratulating the 22-year-old in a celebration worthy of a playoff win.
Jaden Ivey was ready for the moment 🔥
Another look at his #TissotBuzzerBeater to win it at home! https://t.co/v34DxZMkLm pic.twitter.com/XnR6aUfy1T
— NBA (@NBA) November 26, 2024
GRADE: From the outside looking in, the stakes were small. A tie game in November between two teams who are not considered championship contenders. For Detroit, this meant something. One of its core young players cemented something of substance about this Pistons team, which is already creating space at a crowded table of Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls. 3 Horrys.
