Detroit Pistons rookies Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren shine in NBA Summer League debuts

LAS VEGAS — The Detroit Pistons’ NBA Summer League game wasn’t as exciting as some fans might’ve expected, but it was dotted with exciting moments.

Surprisingly tight officiating slowed Thursday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers to a crawl at times. But the Pistons prevailed, thanks to strong performances from their rookie duo, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, along with Isaiah Stewart.

The Pistons defeated the Blazers, 81-78, at the Thomas & Mack Center. Ivey led the team with 20 points and six assists along with six rebounds, and Stewart finished with 13 points (3-for-4 on 3-pointers) and nine rebounds. Saben Lee added 13 points (1-for-8 shooting, 10-for-13 from the free-throw line) and Braxton Key had 11 points and seven rebounds. In just 12 minutes, Duren tallied nine points and a pair of blocks.

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Jaden Ivey’s athleticism stands out

It took a while for Ivey to showcase the speed and leaping ability that helped him become a top-five pick. But once he found his rhythm, he didn’t slow down.

Ivey completed dunks on consecutive possessions in the third quarter, finishing a lob from Key and then a steal-and-slam in transition. About a minute later, he split two defenders with his elite first step, single-handedly creating a transition layup.

Ivey was Detroit’s best player Thursday night. His speed makes him a consistent threat to get to the rim even with a defender glued to his body. He showcased the rest of his game as well, knocking down two of five 3-point attempts and making all six of his free throws.

Duren exactly as advertised

Duren is 18 and will be the NBA’s youngest player next season. In his first summer league game, he was a man among boys.

You can learn a lot about Duren’s game just by looking at him. At 6 feet 11 and a chiseled 250 pounds, he’ll be one of the…