Ausar Thompson calls out Jalen Brunson for 'selling fouls' ahead of Game 2: 'Got to be smarter'

David Suggs

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Ausar Thompson calls out Jalen Brunson for 'selling fouls' ahead of Game 2: 'Got to be smarter' image

Jalen Brunson's starring display in the Knicks' postseason debut against the Pistons on Saturday afternoon added to his glint playoff resume. But not everyone was impressed.

Brunson's 23-point second-half outburst fueled a dramatic turnaround for New York, who overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit to down Detroit, 123-112. He found success across various points on the floor, splashing two triples, taking his opposition markers to the mid-range and painted area, and, per usual, making a mark at the free throw line.

Brunson, who clanked 11 of his first 15 shots on Saturday, produced eight points from the charity stripe. Some thought he was the beneficiary of refereeing partiality — including his primary defender, Ausar Thompson.

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Here's what you need to know. 

What did Ausar Thompson say about Jalen Brunson?

Brunson enjoyed an impressive display atop the gleaming Madison Square Garden hardwood on Saturday night. The Knicks standout overcame a sleepy first-half showing to collect 34 points and eight assists, powering New York's decisive fourth-quarter rally.

However, Thompson, the second-year talent whose defensive instincts and athleticism have drawn rave reviews, was left unimpressed. When asked what challenges he endured when matched up against the All-NBA guard, Thompson was firm.

"None," Thompson said.

Thompson offered a bit more insight into his mindset going up against Brunson, telling reporters that he had to be "smarter" about avoiding foul calls when staying attached to the Villanova alum. 

"Just don't foul him," Thompson said. "He's good at drawing fouls. Well, he's good at selling — selling — fouls. So, you just got to be smarter."

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On a purely numerical basis, Thompson is correct: Brunson draws a lot of fouls. He averaged 6.9 free throws a game during the regular season, the fifth-best mark in the league. Brunson tallied an additional 10 free throws during Game 1, double the next most fouled players, Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris.

Whether Brunson is a foul "baiter" is up for interpretation, though — as is the case for other free throw forces like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, and Trae Young, Brunson's aptitude for drawing fouls might have more to do with his penchant for getting to his spot than his desire to flail his limbs upon contact with a defender.

Thompson gave Brunson plenty of plaudits on Sunday afternoon, telling reporters the two-time All-Star is "the elite of the elite" among players he's guarded throughout his career.

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Still, gamesmanship tends to find a home in postseason play. Perhaps Thompson's words will linger in the mind of Brunson — or the referees who call the duo's upcoming matchups — as the series plays out. Thompson and Detroit wouldn't be upset if they do.

Ausar Thompson stats 2024-25

  • 10.1 points per game
  • 5.1 rebounds per game
  • 2.3 assists per game
  • 1.7 steals per game
  • 0.7 blocks per game
  • 1.4 turnovers per game
  • 53.5 percent field goal shooting
  • 22.4 percent 3-point shooting
  • 64.1 percent free throw shooting 

Thompson's second season in the NBA saw the Overtime Elite alum make himself an even more integral part of the Pistons present and future. The 22-year-old posted career highs in points, assists, and steals while improving his field goal percentage some five points between his rookie and sophomore season. Thompson, like his twin brother, Amen, is one of the league's most unique athletes, blessed with a rapid first step and leaping ability. He put his unique skillset on display at moments during Game 1, too.

Jalen Brunson stats 2024-25

  • 26.0 points per game
  • 2.9 rebounds per game
  • 7.3 assists per game
  • 0.9 steals per game
  • 0.1 blocks per game
  • 2.5 turnovers per game
  • 48.8 percent field goal shooting
  • 38.3 percent 3-point shooting
  • 82.1 percent free throw shooting 

Brunson posted another All-NBA-caliber campaign in New York colors, ranking eighth in scoring and assists per game. He only just qualified for award consideration after participating in 65 games during the regular season. Still, his stature is well-known at this point — he garnered his second-straight All-Star appearance in the Big Apple and very well could nab some down-ballot MVP votes.

Jalen Brunson stats vs. Pistons 2024-25

  • 28.3 points per game
  • 2.8 rebounds per game
  • 7.8 assists per game
  • 1.0 steals per game
  • 0.5 blocks per game
  • 3.5 turnovers per game
  • 51.2 percent field goal shooting
  • 41.9 percent 3-point shooting
  • 61.5 percent free throw shooting 

Brunson was a force against Detroit during the regular season, lighting up the Pistons for 113 points across four contests in 2024-25. Three of those matchups saw Brunson break the 30-point plateau, with the New York talent hitting Detroit for 36 on Nov. 1, and 31 on Dec. 7 and Jan. 13. His final matchup against the Bad Boys was underwhelming by comparison — Brunson scored 15 points on 5-of-15 shooting on April 10. But he was hobbled by an ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for a month ahead of the end of the regular season.

For all of Brunson's exploits, New York struggled to mount much of a challenge against JB Bickerstaff's side in regular season play: the Knicks went 1-3 against Detroit in 2024-25.

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.