Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren making impact for in-form Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are enjoying a thrilling resurgence during the 2024-25 NBA season, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. A recent eight-game winning streak turned heads across the league, and the Pistons have now won 10 of their last 11 games, a feat they haven't achieved since the 2007-08 season.

This impressive run has revitalized the franchise, with Detroit sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference at 35-27. While first-time All-Star Cade Cunningham, along with Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris, have garnered much of the spotlight, the contributions of Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren have been just as crucial. Together, they round out a promising young core that should help Detroit remain competitive for the long haul.

Thompson has been effective on both ends of the floor. In the Pistons' 126-108 win over the Utah Jazz on Mar. 3, he went a perfect 7-of-7 from the field, scoring 17 points while adding six rebounds, five assists and three steals. His all-around play has been essential to Detroit’s success. 

Duren was equally impressive in the same game, also shooting perfectly from the field, contributing a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, along with four blocks and two steals. The performance marked his eighth double-double over the past 11 games.

"I just try to do my job and do what I can to help this team win," Duren said following the win, via The Detroit News. "Everybody has their roles, and my role is to protect the paint. I take that part of my job as seriously as the offensive end."

During the current 11-game stretch, Thompson is averaging 13.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.6 steals on an eye-popping 69.1 percent shooting. Duren, meanwhile, has posted averages of 13.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, four assists, 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks on 72 percent shooting.

The 21-year-old center’s contributions, particularly in the paint, have given the Pistons a much-needed interior presence. His 131 rebounds during the current stretch rank fourth in the NBA, trailing only Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis and Ivica Zubac. Thompson’s 29 steals rank third in the league, just four behind leader Dyson Daniels, who is having a historic defensive season with the Atlanta Hawks.

With the young core of Cunningham, Thompson and Duren, Detroit has also seen significant improvements in team chemistry. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has maximized the potential of his stars, fostering a culture of resilience and growth.

The Pistons’ strong veteran presence, led by Beasley and Harris, as well as Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder, has provided ample support for the young core. The team’s recent wins over the Los Angeles Clippers and defending champions Boston Celtics further solidify its potential. 

As the season progresses, Thompson and Duren’s continued development will be essential in shaping the Pistons' trajectory moving forward. This Detroit team is for real, and the future looks increasingly bright.