Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson left Thursday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs with a sprained right ankle and did not return.
According to reports, Thompson suffered the injury early in the first quarter during Detroit’s 121-106 loss, but the extent of the injury was not immediately known.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff spoke after the game about Thompson’s importance to the team, saying, “Obviously Ausar means a lot to us.”
“Obviously you miss what we were able to do defensively, what he does defensively, the impact he has. We just had to figure out a way together to pick it up,” he said.
The injury happened when Thompson was driving to the basket. With Victor Wembanyama behind the play and Stephon Castle in defence, Thompson planted hard on his right foot and immediately began limping.
He collapsed in pain near the baseline before Detroit medical staff helped him off the field and escorted him to the locker room.
Thompson is in his third NBA season and has been a key part of Detroit’s lineup.
