Ausar Thompson added another clip to his growing defensive highlight reel on Friday night, and this one was a statement.
Late in the first half of the Pistons’ matchup against the Knicks, Josh Hart looked to have a clean lane on a fastbreak. But Thompson had other plans.
The third-year wing tracked him down with the kind of closing speed that turns heads, then elevated and erased Hart’s layup attempt - not with his hand, but with his elbow. That’s not a typo.
Thompson swatted the shot with his elbow, a play that instantly lit up social media and brought the Detroit crowd to its feet.
It was the kind of defensive moment that perfectly sums up what Thompson has brought to the Pistons this season: elite athleticism, relentless effort, and a knack for making the kind of plays that shift momentum. He’s quickly become one of the league’s most exciting young defenders, and Friday night was just more proof.
And while Thompson’s block stole the highlight reel, the Pistons as a whole delivered a complete performance - one that sent a clear message to the rest of the Eastern Conference. Detroit didn’t just beat New York. They dismantled them, wire to wire, in a 118-80 blowout that showcased everything that’s gone right for this team so far this season.
By halftime, the Pistons were already in control with a 63-42 lead, and they never let the Knicks get back in it. Detroit won every quarter and played with a level of intensity that New York simply couldn’t match. The Pistons’ defense swarmed, their shooters were locked in, and their energy on the glass was relentless.
Let’s break down the numbers that told the story: Detroit knocked down 17 threes, out-rebounded New York 44-35, and dominated the hustle stats with 16 combined steals and blocks - known in NBA shorthand as “stocks.” The Knicks, by comparison, hit just eight triples and recorded only seven stocks. That’s a massive gap in effort and execution.
Ausar Thompson chased Josh Hart down and blocked him with his ELBOW 🤯❌pic.twitter.com/r9rpr6cOMH
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 7, 2026
Offensively, it was a balanced attack for the Pistons, with five players scoring in double figures. Daniss Jenkins led the way with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 from the field, adding four boards and three assists.
Tobias Harris chipped in 15 points and six rebounds, Isaiah Stewart matched him with 15 points of his own, and Paul Reed brought energy off the bench with 12 points and six rebounds. Cade Cunningham, the engine of this team, didn’t need to score much but still made his presence felt with 11 points and seven assists.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. The Pistons are now sitting at 38-13, holding firm at the top of the Eastern Conference. They’re five games clear of Boston and 5.5 ahead of New York, and they’re playing like a team that knows exactly who they are.
Next up: a road test against a surging Charlotte Hornets squad on Feb. 9. But if the Pistons bring the same energy and execution they showed Friday night, they’ll be tough for anyone to handle.