Ausar Thompson Led Pistons Past Suns in Preseason
The Detroit guard scored 10 points while testing a new lead playmaking role.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball
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Ausar Thompson tallied 10 points and three steals to help the Detroit Pistons secure a 109-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena. The coaching staff utilized the preseason contest to test Thompson in an expanded lead playmaking role.
Why it matters
The Pistons are aiming to increase Thompson's offensive aggression and utility as a shooter this season to force opposing defenses to respect his jump shot. This development is part of a larger plan to diversify the team's offensive options following his offseason mechanical adjustments.
Thompson finished with 10 points, two assists, and a block in 18 minutes of play. He shot 5-for-8 from the field, successfully converting three midrange jumpers.
The players
Ausar Thompson
He is a Detroit guard who earned first-team All-Defense honors during the 2025-26 season.
Detroit Pistons
The professional basketball team based in Detroit that is currently adjusting its offensive rotation.
Phoenix Suns
The professional basketball team that faced the Detroit Pistons in the October 5 preseason matchup.
The details
Coaches placed the ball in Thompson's hands to initiate play, a shift aimed at leveraging the shooting mechanics he rebuilt during the offseason. The effort seeks to improve upon his 2025-26 output, where he made 85 of 234 midrange attempts.
Timeline
September 2026: Ausar Thompson signed a $155 million contract extension.
October 5, 2026: The Pistons defeated the Suns 109-107 in a preseason game.
October 10, 2026: The Pistons play at Washington.
October 20, 2026: The Pistons open the regular season against the Celtics.
Season Trajectory
This development marks a shift from Thompson's reputation as a pure defender, echoing the defensive legacy of the 2006 All-Defense honors earned by Ben Wallace. If he successfully integrates these playmaking duties, it significantly alters the Pistons' offensive ceiling and backcourt depth.
Thompson's shift toward increased midrange shot attempts and primary ball-handling duties could significantly impact his fantasy basketball value this season. His performance suggests he may become a more reliable offensive contributor than the 9.9 points per game he averaged last season.
The takeaway
Thompson is betting on his ability to refine his jump shot to become a multifaceted threat on the court. Readers should watch for his efficiency in midrange shooting as a key indicator of his growth as an offensive playmaker this year.
What happens next
The Detroit Pistons are scheduled to play their next preseason game against Washington on October 10, 2026, followed by the regular season opener against the Boston Celtics on October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the roster shifts this season, visit Basketball.
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