An emerging talent in the NBA made a stunning game-winning shot last week but later emphasized to the media that his true identity is rooted in his faith in Christ rather than basketball. Jaden Ivey, a guard for the Detroit Pistons, has been instrumental in positioning the team for playoff success. He’s been averaging a career-best 18.4 points per game, ranking him second on the team and among the Top 50 in the league. During the week of Thanksgiving, he secured a victory for Detroit with a baseline jumper at the buzzer, leading to a 102-100 win over Toronto.

“Before I actually even did the play, I was just talking to Jesus, he told reporters in a video posted by Sports Spectrum. I’m like, ‘Lord, just do something special.’ And He delivered — gave me the strength to go out there and execute the last play. … It was exciting — great feeling.”

Despite his success, Ivey stressed that his identity is not defined by basketball. He admitted it’s easy to get swept up in the sport.

“I hit the shot today [but] I can miss — go 0 for 10 the next game, he shared with reporters. I could tear my ACL a week from now, and [the] season’s over.”

“But your identity in Christ is really what matters at the end of the day because this game is going to pass away. When it’s all said and done, when your time is up, you stand in front of a holy God, and He’s so loving. And He wants to accept you. He already loves you, and He’s given a lot of grace to you because He died on the cross and took sin away so that we can be in heaven with Him forever.”

“So I really believe that, and I stand for that.”

Ivey reflected on the challenges of last season when the team set an NBA record with 28 consecutive losses and finished with a 14-68 record. This season, they’ve already secured nine victories.

“Throughout all last year — it’s important to really have that identity and know who you are,” Ivey said.

“Your identity in Christ is really what matters.”

Powerful words from Detroit Pistons forward Jaden Ivey after hitting the game-winning shot Monday night to beat Toronto. pic.twitter.com/WhC2H5XUPD

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) November 26, 2024

Ivey was a first-round draft pick from Purdue in 2022 and earned a spot on the All-Rookie team during his debut year, with an average of 16.3 points. Last season, he averaged 15.4 points.