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Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson addressed his team’s 112-101 loss to the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday night at Little Caesars Arena. The rookie wing focused heavily on execution and start-of-game intensity.
“Just not coming out ready to play. You know, they came out and hit us first.”
Detroit fell behind early after Orlando established physical tone and defensive pressure in the opening quarter. Thompson pointed directly to the need for a stronger response from the jump.
“So, we got to do a better job of coming out and hitting them first and executing our coverages better.”
The Pistons had multiple scoring runs but were unable to sustain them long enough to flip momentum. Thompson explained the team’s struggle to stay consistent once trailing.
“I would say we just got to take every play just that play at a time. You know, not worrying about scoring 10 points in one possession.”
He stressed that possession-by-possession discipline is the key adjustment heading into Game 2, especially against an opponent that limits rhythm.
“Just do what we’re supposed to do each possession and we’ll get back in the game.”
Despite the loss, Thompson dismissed the idea that nerves or pressure played a role in Detroit’s performance. The top seed entered the series with expectations after a strong regular season.
“No. I can’t say that for me. You know, no matter what seed I am, I’m trying to win a championship.”
He added that external expectations do not change his mindset entering playoff games.
“So, whether I’m one seed, 10 seed, eight seed, doesn’t matter to me. So, no nerves on my end, at least in that regard.”
A key theme of the night was Orlando’s defensive approach against Cade Cunningham, which forced Detroit into frequent adjustments. Thompson highlighted the importance of movement and spacing.
“Just you know we got to get open for him and trust he makes the right play and that’s it. We got to get open and be aggressive.”
The Pistons struggled at times to match Orlando’s physical rebounding and defensive activity, something Thompson acknowledged directly after the game.
“It’s going to be a physical series. You know that’s where we thrive. So, we’re not worried about that.”
However, he admitted the Magic won those battles in Game 1, particularly on the glass and in turnovers.
“I would say they out physical us today. One, because they got more rebounds than us. They forced more turnovers.”
The Pistons now trail 0-1 in the series after Paolo Banchero’s 23-point performance led Orlando. Cunningham’s 39-point outing kept Detroit competitive, but consistency remains the focus.
“We’re used to playoff whistle now. And we’re going to come back and we’re going to do what we got to do.”
Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, where Detroit will look to respond with improved execution and physical balance.
