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How Did Pistons’ Ausar Thompson Perform In Season Debut?

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) dribbles

Detroit Pistons second-year wing Ausar Thompson had been cleared prior to Monday night’s matchup against the Toronto Raptors. With Thompson having been out for several months while awaiting medical clearance from the NBA, the team was being cautious and understandably so. Despite his chiseled 6-foot-7 frame, his fitness level was in question. Blood clotting concerns aside, the long layoff between games meant that he wasn’t going to be in peak physical condition.

How Did Pistons’ Ausar Thompson Perform In Season Debut?

When the 21-year-old took the court in Little Caesars Arena, all of the noise melted away.

His first taste of the 2024-25 season coming with 4:57 left in the first quarter, Thompson got acclimated quite quickly. Operating as a secondary playmaker in the second unit, he hit draft classmate Marcus Sasser above the break for his first assist of the season.

He missed his first attempt, a reverse layup, after creating for himself off the dribble. Though it was an errant attempt, he looking confident and comfortable getting to the rim. The same held true for Thompson’s second field goal attempt, an 11-foot fadeaway.

Then, six minutes and 47 seconds into the second half, Thompson nailed his first field goal of 2024-25. Interestingly enough, it was a corner three, a shot that defenses conceded throughout his rookie season as they dared him to make them pay. It was his second three-point attempt of the night, the other coming from the corner as well.

Less than half a minute later, Thompson found 2022 No. 13 pick Jalen Duren on a long-distance lob. It was his fourth assist of the night. By the end of the game, Thompson went 2-8 from the field and 1-3 from three, which includes an end-of-quarter 39-foot three-point heave. Nonetheless, while he missed some shots, his season debut was promising.

The entire time, Thompson was providing suffocating defense. While Raptors forward Scottie Barnes was able to go off for 31 points, he appeared to have the most trouble when Thompson was his primary defender.

Postgame Reactions

After the game, which the Pistons won 102-100, Thompson opened up about his return. As is his custom, he was candid, admitting to feeling “weird” due to how long it had been since he had played (h/t The Detroit News reporter Coty M. Davis). He’s also playing for a different coach than he was just a few months ago with the Pistons firing Monty Williams and replacing him with J.B. Bickerstaff.

Still, the hoops junkie says he felt “natural” and had “a lot of fun” (h/t Woodward Sports Network).

As expected, Bickerstaff discussed Thompson’s appearance as well, coming away impressed by his pace and playmaking.

The Pistons will certainly want to see more out of him as time goes on. Given his drive to be great, there’s no doubt that Thompson has high expectations for himself. Nonetheless, for someone who hadn’t played competitively since March 9, he looked as good as people could have hoped.

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Quenton S Albertie

Quenton Albertie, a native of Ft. Hood, TX, is a credentialed media member with work featured on SLAM Magazine, Sports Illustrated, USA TODAY and other major publications. Currently residing in Atlanta, GA, Albertie’s favorite teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Broncos.

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