The Detroit Pistons have held down the fort well so far in the absence of star point guard Cade Cunningham due to a horrific lung condition. Although they haven't exactly faced a killer line of opponents, the Pistons are now 3-0 after Cunningham left the lineup, and are firmly in first place in the Eastern Conference.
The biggest reason for this is the play of Aussie Thompson, who has been a terror for opponents on the defensive side of the ball.
In fact, he recently became the first player to achieve a major defensive milestone this season.
"Oser Thompson has been in his own lane this season, becoming the only forward in the NBA to rack up 100+ steals and 50+ blocks. It's not just versatility, it's straight-up defensive dominance from every angle of the floor," X, formerly of ClutchPoints, reported on Twitter.
In fact, the statistical feat speaks volumes about Thompson's switchability and skills on that end of the floor, and he has become an integral part of what makes Detroit such a strong unit on defense this season.
Similar to his twin brother Amen Thompson with the Houston Rockets, if Ourser ever finds a way to expand his offensive skills, he could immediately become one of the most impactful players in the league.
Meanwhile, as the season enters its home stretch, the Pistons look to lock up the number one seed in the East, and they've done a good job of showing off their versatility and depth over the past week in Cunningham's absence, though they'll certainly hope to get their star point guard back by the time the playoffs arrive.
The Pistons will take on the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers for their next home game on Monday night.
