DETROIT - After every Detroit Pistons game, win or lose, you’ll find Ausar Thompson in his uniform, shoes still laced, wristband on, diving into game film. The locker room at Little Caesars Arena knows him as the last Piston to leave. Even Cade Cunningham once joked-half-seriously-that Thompson might just spend the night there.
Thompson’s a perfectionist, and his dedication goes beyond what the stat sheet shows. In Detroit’s 124-116 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thompson’s role was pivotal, highlighting why his presence is crucial for the Pistons’ future.
Cunningham and Jalen Duren have cemented themselves as All-Stars, each posting 29-point double-doubles to lead the team. But if they’re the pistons of this engine, Thompson is the catalytic converter, fueling Detroit’s playoff ambitions. His defensive prowess is unmatched, leading the team with 144 stocks-101 steals and 43 blocks-this season.
In Wednesday’s game, Thompson tallied 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. His plus-15 in 28 minutes was second only to Cunningham.
Whether it’s his relentless defense, smart rotations, or sharp cuts, Thompson embodies winning basketball. The Pistons boast a 21-4 record when he logs at least 27 minutes.
“You know how players get in offensive zones? I have defensive modes like that,” Thompson shared. “When I’m locked in, I’m thinking, ‘This guy’s not scoring.’”
Does he see himself as one of the league’s best defenders? “One thousand percent.
I think I’m the best,” he confidently stated. “But I can always improve.
There are great defenders out there, but that’s how I feel.”
Thompson saw limited action in the Pistons’ loss to the Spurs, playing just 17 minutes. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff explained it was due to Ron Holland II’s strong performance, rewarding the young wing with more time on the court.
Yet, Thompson’s impact on opponents’ strategies is undeniable. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault noticed his value early on, recalling their preseason clash in Montreal.
“He’s got toughness, discipline, and athleticism. His mentality is fierce, just like his brother Amen with the Rockets.
They’re competitors who bring the fight.”
According to CleaningTheGlass, Thompson’s steal and block rates rank in the 97th and 94th percentiles for wings, respectively. Pistons center Paul Reed even joked about Thompson’s knack for stealing his blocks. “I’ll be at the rim, and he’ll come out of nowhere to swat a shot.”
Coach Bickerstaff praised Thompson’s defensive acumen, noting his ability to navigate screens without forcing defensive help. “His skill lets us maintain a five-on-five defense instead of scrambling.”
Duren, often paired with Thompson in pick-and-roll scenarios, admires his lateral quickness. “Watching him move is like watching someone float.
It’s a true skill, cutting off players and reacting quickly. He’s a freak athlete and an all-world defender.”
Thompson’s versatility and willingness to contribute in various ways, even with limited scoring, elevate the team’s baseline. While Cunningham and Duren drive Detroit’s potential, Thompson raises their floor.
“I excel in many situations,” Thompson said. “Whether it’s point-of-attack defense or roaming off-ball, I’m effective. But I aim to improve against bigger opponents.”