How Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren Saved the Pistons' Season in Game 5 vs. Knicks

 Once again, Cade Cunningham had the ball in his hands in crunch time for the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, delivering down the stretch in Game 5 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks. The star guard scored 13 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter, including a clutch pull-up three, a late floater, and two game-sealing free throws to secure a 106-103 victory.  

But this win wasn’t just about Cunningham. At halftime, he had just four points on 2-for-8 shooting, as the Knicks aggressively blitzed his pick-and-rolls, forcing Detroit’s supporting cast to step up. And they did—most notably, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren, whose performances kept the Pistons’ season alive and sent the series back to Detroit for Game 6.  

Thompson, the 22-year-old guard, finished with 22 points on an efficient 8-for-10 shooting, adding seven rebounds, two blocks, and relentless defense against Knicks star Jalen Brunson. His ability to stay disciplined while hounding Brunson all night was pivotal—Brunson managed just 16 points on 4-for-16 shooting with four turnovers.  

"I think it all started with Ausar and his defense," Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "He was phenomenal defensively tonight."  

Thompson’s defensive impact was undeniable. Unlike earlier in the series, he avoided early foul trouble, staying aggressive without falling for Brunson’s trademark pump fakes and hesitation moves. His chasedown block on Brunson in transition during the second quarter was a highlight-reel example of his athleticism and effort.  

Offensively, Thompson thrived as a cutter and finisher, exploiting the Knicks’ defensive focus on Cunningham. Operating from the dunker spot, he capitalized on 4-on-3 opportunities created by Cunningham’s playmaking, finishing strong at the rim.  

Meanwhile, Duren, the 21-year-old center, controlled the glass with 14 rebounds (seven offensive) while dishing out six assists as a short-roll playmaker. His chemistry with Cunningham in the pocket was key to Detroit’s efficient ball movement.  

Dennis Schröder, Detroit’s veteran guard, praised Thompson’s defensive potential, calling him "one of the best defenders I’ve seen" and predicting Defensive Player of the Year potential once he refines his discipline.  

The Pistons didn’t shoot particularly well from deep (8-for-29), but their collective understanding of how to attack New York’s defense—targeting Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns in actions, playing fast, and capitalizing on Cunningham’s gravity—made the difference.  

"It's fun seeing us move the ball around and get dunks, get layups, having efficient offense," Cunningham said. "That's everything you dream of."  

With their season on the line, the Pistons proved they’re more than just Cunningham—and now, they’re heading home with a chance to force a Game 7.