(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the best players in the NBA, but on Monday night he came face-to-face with one of the league’s most talked-about rookies.
As pointed out by Jack Kelly, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons did great work against Gilgeous-Alexander.
He held Gilgeous-Alexander to 2-of-8 from the field and 1-of-3 from the three-point line.
He also had two blocks against the Thunder star and created two turnovers as well.
“Ausar gave one of the premiere scorers in the NBA everything he could handle – Defensive STUD,” Kelly said.
SGA when guarded by Ausar Thompson:
2-8 FG (1-3 3P)
2 x blocks against
2 x turnovers
1 x jump-ball forced
Ausar gave one of the premiere scorers in the NBA everything he could handle — Defensive STUD pic.twitter.com/Yjf3qTeCdY
— Jack Kelly (@jack_kelly_313) October 31, 2023
Gilgeous-Alexander was still on fire on Monday night, even with Thompson’s great defensive power.
He scored 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
And the Thunder ended up winning the game too, 124-112.
But the Pistons impressed in their own ways.
Seven players scored in double digits on Monday, including Thompson who earned a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
All in all, it was a strong showing from the young team, which currently has a 2-2 record.
Thompson was the fifth overall pick in the draft and people immediately thought that he could be an important part of the Pistons’ future.
He came to the team at the right time, with new head coach Monty Williams joining and looking to shake things up and lean into the team’s youth.
So far, Thompson has averaged 8.5 points and 10.5 rebounds during his first four games.
There is a chance that if he continues to play like this he will average a double-double during his rookie year.
He wasn’t able to stop Gilgeous-Alexander but Thompson did slow him down, which is saying an awful lot.
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