In a crucial Game 5 victory against the New York Knicks, Detroit`s star guard Cade Cunningham once again handled the ball in the closing moments. He scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, including a key three-pointer, a floater, and free throws that sealed the 106-103 win. However, this wasn`t a one-man show. Cunningham had a quiet first half with only four points, but he masterfully directed the offense, trusting his teammates when the Knicks` defense aggressively double-teamed his pick-and-rolls, essentially challenging other Pistons players to step up. And they did, especially 22-year-old guard Ausar Thompson and 21-year-old center Jalen Duren. Their vital contributions kept the Pistons` season alive and sent the series back to Detroit for Game 6.
Ausar Thompson delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 22 points on efficient 8-of-10 shooting, seven rebounds, two blocks, and played exceptional defense for 29 minutes, primarily guarding Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff credited Thompson`s defense as the key factor, calling his effort “phenomenal defensively tonight.”
Thompson has been matched up with Brunson from the start of every game in the series. Previously, his fourth-quarter minutes were limited due to foul trouble and his lack of a consistent outside shot. In Game 5, Brunson struggled against Thompson, scoring just 16 points on poor 4-of-16 shooting and committing four turnovers. While not solely because of Thompson, Brunson found it difficult to create space against him one-on-one and often tried to force defensive switches.
Thompson described his defensive approach as “being aggressive, but being smart, knowing what positions I`m in and not letting [Brunson] take advantage of that.”
Brunson is known not just as a skilled scorer but also for his ability to draw fouls with constant fakes and movements. Despite this, Thompson managed to defend effectively without excessive fouling. He ended the game with five fouls but was never in major foul trouble; he had no fouls in the first half, and his last one was an intentional foul late in the game to prevent a three-point attempt.
Coach Bickerstaff noted that repeatedly guarding Brunson in the series has helped Thompson learn and improve. He enjoyed watching Thompson “grow every single game on understanding what`s the best way to defend him and how to make it so difficult.” He pointed out Thompson`s adjustment from getting “cheap fouls” early in the series due to over-pressuring to now defending smarter, staying on the floor, and being more impactful. Bickerstaff found it rewarding to see him learn and execute.
Pistons guard Dennis Schröder praised Thompson as “one of the best defenders I`ve seen,” highlighting his remarkable athleticism and footwork. Schröder believes that as Thompson gains more experience and refines small details like staying grounded on pump fakes, he has the potential to become a Defensive Player of the Year.
While not a threat from beyond the three-point line, Thompson repeatedly hurt New York by operating effectively from the area under the basket, known as the dunker spot. He scored in the paint multiple times when Cunningham`s drives drew defenders, and also received passes from Duren in the pick-and-roll pocket, finishing with quick dunks, including an alley-oop.
Detroit deliberately planned to capitalize on the 4-on-3 advantages created when the Knicks focused their defense on Cunningham. Thompson confirmed he was “super comfortable” and even “excited” when they blitzed Cunningham, crediting Cunningham and Duren for setting up these opportunities.
Thompson`s success stemmed from the Pistons` collective understanding of how to exploit the Knicks` defense. Although their offense wasn`t perfect (e.g., shooting just 8-of-29 from deep), they successfully identified and attacked key pressure points.
Dennis Schröder mentioned the team`s strategy included maintaining a fast pace and engaging key Knicks players like Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns defensively.
Schröder described their offensive execution as “easy basketball,” with Cunningham leading the way and effectively directing teammates. He specifically noted Duren`s play in the pick-and-roll pocket and finding Thompson for quick dunks, praising the young players` “tremendous” performance.
Jalen Duren made significant contributions with nine points, 14 rebounds (including seven on the offensive end), six assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes. Coach Bickerstaff called Duren “a really good passer and playmaker” in short-roll situations, emphasizing that his effectiveness comes from “understanding the situation, reading the defense and then being able to complete the play.”
Cade Cunningham carries a heavy responsibility for the team, but a crucial part of his leadership involves empowering his teammates, especially when opponents prioritize defending him. Cunningham welcomes the defensive attention because it creates opportunities for others. He stated that Detroit is prepared to adjust if New York alters its defensive strategy.
Cunningham finds it enjoyable to see the team`s ball movement lead to efficient scoring plays like dunks and layups. He commented that this type of effective, collaborative offense is “what you want as a coach, a team, a point guard” and “everything you dream of.”
Jasper Hawthorne