DETROIT – Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson said the team’s defensive focus and attention to detail must improve heading into Game 5 as the Pistons look to respond after back-to-back losses in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
After reviewing film from Games 3 and 4, Thompson said the Pistons identified lapses in concentration as a major factor in the skid.
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“Just not being focused, not playing playoff-level basketball,” Thompson said. “I feel like today we’re going to bring that back.”
Home-court momentum
The Pistons had struggled to establish momentum at home earlier in the postseason before recently putting together a five-game winning streak inside Little Caesars Arena.
Thompson said the breakthrough started with a desire to reward Detroit fans.
“Just getting a win for our fans,” Thompson said. “We wanted to do that to start, but then we got a roll. So hopefully we continue tonight.”
Back to basics
Thompson also addressed his individual performance after a difficult outing in Game 4, saying his focus is not on proving himself but on helping the team.
“I’m excited to get back out there,” Thompson said. “Not necessarily to remind anyone, but just do what I do on a daily basis. That’s what I’m worried about. Just help my team.”
The third-year forward out of Overtime Elite said playoff basketball requires a heightened level of discipline because every possession carries more weight.
“We’re definitely learning how to understand playoff basketball still,” Thompson said. “Knowing each possession means so much. We can’t turn the ball over as much, and we can’t have defensive slippage as much.”
Defending Mitchell, ignoring the whistle
Asked about defending Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, Thompson said Detroit must play more aggressively and limit his offensive opportunities.
“Be more aggressive, try not to let him get the ball as much,” Thompson said.
Thompson also downplayed concerns about officiating, saying the Pistons cannot allow referees to become a distraction.
“Not worrying about the whistle in general, just playing our brand of basketball,” Thompson said. “The refs can’t lose us a game at the end of the day. We can’t focus on the refs.”
Twin support
Off the court, Thompson said he has appreciated support from his twin brother, Amen Thompson, during Detroit’s playoff run.
“It’s been super cool,” Ausar said. “He supports me, gives me advice throughout things.”
Thompson added that his brother frequently encourages him to stay aggressive and avoid foul trouble.
“He really gets on me about fouling,” Ausar said. “That’s the most. So I’ve got to be better at that.”
Despite frustrations from recent performances, Ausar said he quickly moves on and focuses on improvement.
“I was over that game by that day,” Ausar said. “I watched the game back to learn what I could do better. It wasn’t emotional. It was, ‘How can I get better?’”