Ausar Thompson: Improving Shooting & Offensive Game

Apathetic, the Bucks defense offered him a full invitation to shoot 3-pointers. But Ausar Thompson hesitated for a second and decided to dribble to get closer. And seeing that Myles Turner and the others were not much concerned, he sent a short shot three meters from the baseline.

Against the Bucks last night, the Pistons winger signed several finishes of this type and finished with 13 points (6/7 on shots), 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Seeing him convert these small shots on the outskirts is not so common for him who also hardly shoots 3-pointers (5/16 on the season after 20 games).

This season, he has already taken more mid-range shots than last season, although with a lower percentage (4/14 compared to 4/12 last year). But the most notable is undoubtedly his use of shooting in the paint outside the “restricted area” (closest to the circle): 44% this season (26/59) compared to 35% (41/117) a year earlier.

This is an offensive chord that seems to be unlocking for him, even though he is better known for his “slasher” qualities, like his brother in Houston, Amen.

Lots of summer work

« It changes a lot of things for him because with shooting, it’s simply: it goes in or it doesn’t go in. When he elevates his shot like that, there’s nothing the defense can do. It’s just a question of whether he puts it on or misses it », remarks his coach JB Bickerstaff.

The latter considers that he has every interest in multiplying these attacks because of his athletic qualities. “ It’s not like other shots that can be contested or that he has to modify, because he’s so strong to get to that area, and obviously he can get to heights that others can’t reach to create a clean shot for himself. », Remarks the coach rightly.

The technician finally reports that his player “has worked a lot (on this aspect). He started working on it this summer, and it’s something we really wanted him to continue doing more of. » Opposing defenses are undoubtedly less delighted.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.