Quick Read
- Ausar Thompson scored 18 points with 12 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists for the Pistons.
- Detroit overcame a 21-point lead collapse and won 110-102 after late-game heroics.
- Cade Cunningham fouled out early in the fourth quarter, forcing Thompson and others to step up.
Ausar Thompson’s Star Turn in Detroit’s Gritty Victory
On December 22, 2025, the Detroit Pistons found themselves in the thick of a battle that tested their resolve, teamwork, and ability to adapt under pressure. Facing the Portland Trail Blazers on the road, Detroit seemed poised for an easy win, leading by as much as 21 points late in the third quarter. Yet, as the NBA so often reminds us, no lead is ever truly safe.
What happened next was a wild swing of momentum. The Blazers clawed back, outscoring the Pistons 31-9 after Detroit’s largest lead. Cade Cunningham, Detroit’s usual closer and on-court conductor, fell victim to foul trouble—six fouls in just over nine minutes—and was forced to watch the final stretch from the bench. Suddenly, Detroit was searching for someone to step up and rescue the game.
Thompson Navigates Foul Trouble, Delivers in Crunch Time
Enter Ausar Thompson. The rookie wing had picked up three fouls in the opening minutes, a worrying sign for Detroit’s defense. But Thompson showed maturity beyond his years. He adjusted his approach, picking his spots and staying aggressive only when necessary. He didn’t pick up a fourth foul until after Cunningham had exited, ensuring he could stay on the floor when his team needed him most.
As Detroit’s offense sputtered and Portland took its first lead of the night—100-99 with just over four minutes remaining—Thompson’s poise shone. First, Tobias Harris steadied the ship with two free throws. Then, Thompson made the play of the night: a steal near midcourt, followed by a fastbreak dunk that recaptured the lead and energized the Pistons. He wasn’t done. Thompson skyed for a crucial rebound off a missed free throw and fed Jalen Duren for a difficult layup, extending the margin. And with less than a minute to go, Thompson slammed home a putback dunk off a Harris miss, putting Detroit up by seven and all but sealing the win (Detroit Free Press, Detroit Bad Boys).
Stat Leaders and Key Moments
Thompson’s final stat line told the story: 18 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and three assists. The rookie’s ability to deliver in the biggest moments—whether it was a crucial rebound, a defensive stop, or a highlight-reel dunk—was the difference between victory and defeat. Jalen Duren was equally impressive, leading all scorers with 26 points and 10 rebounds, and providing a physical presence inside that the Blazers struggled to counter.
Detroit dominated the paint (66-40 advantage) and fastbreak points (34-8 advantage), but the game was nearly undone by foul trouble and a cold fourth quarter. The Blazers shot 43 free throws (making just 29), while Detroit managed only 24 attempts. Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe dazzled with 25 points, and Deni Avdija flirted with a triple-double, but late missed opportunities and turnovers ultimately doomed the Blazers’ comeback hopes.
Jaden Ivey, returning from a long injury absence, contributed 11 points and showed flashes of his two-way potential, especially in the first half.
Pistons’ Resilience Under Pressure
What stands out in the aftermath is Detroit’s ability to respond to adversity. When their lead evaporated and their star point guard was sidelined, the team didn’t panic. Instead, they leaned on a rookie—Thompson—whose energy and fearlessness helped them close out the game with an 11-2 run. The Pistons improved to 23-6, marking the second-best start in franchise history through 29 games (Detroit Free Press).
Ausar Thompson’s clutch performance was more than just a highlight reel; it was the kind of gritty, unselfish basketball that coaches and fans love. Thompson’s late-game heroics—on both ends of the floor—may well have signaled his arrival as a difference-maker in Detroit’s rotation.
- Detroit led by as much as 21 points before Portland’s furious comeback.
- Cade Cunningham fouled out early in the fourth, forcing others to step up.
- Ausar Thompson finished with 18 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and three assists—including key dunks and defensive plays in the final minutes.
- Jalen Duren led all scorers with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
- Detroit secured their 23rd win of the season, maintaining a top record in the league.
Thompson’s performance against Portland was a masterclass in clutch basketball. It’s not just about the box score—it’s about stepping up when everything’s on the line. His ability to maintain composure after early foul trouble and deliver in crunch time could be the foundation for a breakout season, reshaping expectations for the Pistons moving forward.