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LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 16: Retired NBA basketball player Gilbert Arenas attends The Rise Challenge presented by Kmart at Microsoft Square at LA Live on July 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keipher McKennie/WireImage)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 16: Retired NBA basketball player Gilbert Arenas attends The Rise Challenge presented by Kmart at Microsoft Square at LA Live on July 16, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Keipher McKennie/WireImage)
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson is not your average rookie doing average things on the court. He not only left the Indiana Pacers scratching their heads in tonight’s matchup, but he also earned some good grades from former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. Thompson’s opponent was Myles Turner. Though the 2x NBA blocks leader is a force to be reckoned with on defense, little did he expect the Pistons’ rookie to turn on the jets.
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Despite the Detroit Pistons being unable to surpass the Pacers, the 20-year-old from Oakland has undeniably made a great impression so far.
Gilbert Arenas left stunned as Ausar Thompson puts Myles Turner on a poster
During the first quarter of the game, Thompson made a strong move on the Indiana Pacers center. While the big man made a great attempt to thwart the rookie’s shot, the 20-year-old found a way through him to dunk the ball. The dunk left fans at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana stunned.
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 28, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) dunks in the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Agent Zero was also surprised to witness the rookie?s impressive play. He took to his X account to show his approval. Sharing the clip, he added some ?surprise? emojis to show his bewilderment.
He wrote, “OH MY GOD, AUSAR.”?This dunk was one of only 4 baskets he made on the night. The 20-year-old finished the game with 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, he had a +/- of +6 despite the Pistons getting blown out 136-113. He was one of the few bright sparks on an otherwise torrid night for Detroit.
OH MY GOD, AUSAR 😳😳😳pic.twitter.com/hMF6EfQo0t
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) November 25, 2023
While the Pistons continue to struggle, Ausar Thompson’s play has given some hope to the fans. Arenas isn’t the only NBA All-Star who has been impressed by the rookie. 4x NBA champion Draymond Green was all praise for the guard from Pine Crest High School a couple of days ago. However, Friday night wasn’t all glory for the Pistons rookie, as he was on the wrong end of another highlight play during the game.
Ausar Thompson got dropped by Tyrese Haliburton
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was on it throughout the game. He finished the game with 26 points and 10 assists. However, one of the exciting moments came when he was being guarded by Thompson. Haliburton dropped Ausar to the floor, as the crowd saw in amazement, and drilled a three to the rookie’s dismay.
HALIBURTON DROPS AUSAR THOMPSON 🤯 pic.twitter.com/YSFrIQsA11
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 25, 2023
The 23-year-old clearly enjoyed that as he went back dancing. Despite this moment, Thompson should continue to earn plaudits if he can maintain the level of performance he has so far. What are your thoughts on the 2 Ausar Thompson highlight plays? Which one was better? Let us know in the comments.
READ MORE: Gilbert Arenas Rips NBA?s Decades-Old Draft System With Bizarre Claim
Written by
Edited by
Pragya Vashisth