Detroit Pistons wing Ausar Thompson has officially been crowned as one of the NBA’s top defenders.
Thompson was named to the 2025-26 NBA All-Defensive First Team, the league announced Friday, May 22. He is the first Detroit Pistons player to make a defensive team since Tayshaun Prince was named to the second team in 2007-08. Ben Wallace was the last Piston to make the first team in 2005-06.
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Thompson finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, revealed in April at the start of the playoffs.
Thompson, 23, submitted a stellar defensive season, establishing himself as one of the best on that end in the NBA.
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson blocks the shot of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell during the first half of Game 7 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Thompson averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, an NBA-high two steals and 0.9 blocks in just 26 minutes per game. He was the leader of the league’s No. 2 defense, which forced more turnovers and blocked more shots per game than any other team.
He continued his strong play into the postseason, averaging 8.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, two steals and 1.8 blocks through 14 games.
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The Pistons earned the East’s No. 1 seed following a 60-22 season – the third-best record in franchise history. It’s the first 1-seed for the franchise since 2006-07. They followed with their longest playoff run since 2007-08, falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round in seven games.
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) steals the ball from Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren dunks past Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley during the second half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dunks against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a jump shot against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (5) celebrates a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the second half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) dribbles against Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley during the first half of Game 1 of the second round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates a three point basket against Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (8) makes a lay up against Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and guard Daniss Jenkins (24) during the first half of Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons react to a play during the second half of Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0), left, and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at players introduction before the first half o Game 1 of second round of NBA playoffs against Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic with guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a jump shot against Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the second half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) makes a jump shot against Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) celebrates a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons fans cheer on during player introductions before tipoff against the Orlando Magic in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons fans cheer on against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) goes to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of Game 7 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, May 3, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero during the first half of Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson blocks the shot of Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black during the second half of Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) reacts after Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) committed his 5th personal foul during the second half of Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) high-fives fans after 116-109 win over Orlando Magic at Game 5 of first round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons player introductions before hosting the Orlando Magic for Game 5 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) during the first half of Game 5 of First Round of NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dunks against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (28) blocks Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against the Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is interviewed after scoring 27 points with 11 assists in the 98-83 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) grabs a rebound against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) and guard Javonte Green (31) block Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) walks up after making an and-one against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) high-fives fans as he exits the court after 98-83 win over Orlando Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas cheers on for the Pistons during the second half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs between Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) and forward Ronald Holland II (5) ran into each other while grabbing a rebound against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) celebrates a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) blocks Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) at the rim during the first half of Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins celebrates a play against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) celebrates a 3-pointer against Orlando Magic during the second half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) passes the ball against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Musician Big Sean cheers on for Detroit Pistons during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles against Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff complains about a call to a referee during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) defends Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) and forward Isaiah Stewart (28) at players introduction before tipoff of the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
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Our coolest photos of the Detroit Pistons’ run in 2026 NBA playoffs
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) talks to center Jalen Duren (0) before a play against Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
San Antonio Spurs center and the Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert were also named first-team All-Defense.
Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on X and/or Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pistons’ Ausar Thompson makes NBA All-Defense first team