Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson opened up about his unique rivalry with twin brother Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets just before training camp. The brothers, who signed massive rookie extensions totaling over $350 million this offseason, discussed their strengths, weaknesses, and competitive history in a new interview. This comes as the Pistons look to rebound from a tough playoff exit, culminating in a 94-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on May 18, 2026.
Ausar Thompson has carved out a reputation as one of the NBA's most tenacious perimeter defenders. He's the Pistons' primary option for guarding the opponent's top scorer every night. That defensive work earned him two Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month awards and a spot on the All-Defensive First Team last season.
His brother Amen, meanwhile, has evolved into a primary playmaker for Houston. He made the All-Rookie Second Team, then the All-Defensive First Team in his second year. Amen has increased his scoring by an average of four points per season, becoming a significant two-way threat. Ausar gave credit to his brother's athleticism, admitting Amen is the better dunker of the pair.
The competitive fire between them is constant. When asked about their lifetime record in one-on-one games, both conceded that Ausar holds the historical edge. "All-time, I've got to give it to him," Amen Thompson said. "All-time he's won more."
But Amen was quick to counter, claiming he has more game-winning shots in his career. It's clear they careful track every advantage. This sibling rivalry will be on full display twice this regular season. The first matchup is in Houston on Saturday, January 11, 2026, at 8:30 PM.
Securing Ausar Thompson on a five-year, $155 million extension is a major commitment to building a defensive identity. His ability to shut down elite wings is a foundational piece for a young Pistons team. After a challenging first-round series where they went 1-4 against Cleveland locking in a core defender is key.
The team's recent form in that series was 1W-4L, showing how much room there is to grow. Ausar's health is also vital. He missed roughly eight months at the end of his rookie year due to blood clot issues, but has since returned to become an elite defender. His continued development on offense could be the next step.
All focus now shifts to training camp and the 2026-27 season. The Pistons will want to build on their playoff experience, and Ausar's defensive leadership will be central to that. Fans can mark their calendars for the second Thompson twin showdown when the Rockets visit Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, March 25, 2027, at 7 PM.
With his contract secured and his role defined, Ausar Thompson is poised to be a cornerstone for Detroit. His direct comparison with his equally talented brother only highlights the specific, gritty path he's taken in Motown. The full season schedule and team stats are always available on our schedule and stats pages.
