The inaugural NBA faceoff between Ausar and Amen, Thompson Twins, despite the struggling run of Ausar’s Detroit Pistons, didn’t temper their competitive drive, surprising many who anticipated more compassion between the twins in the league.
Their daily conversations—maintained even during Ausar’s attention-drawing losing streak—stand as a testament to their unwavering connection, a bond disrupted only during the NBA Summer League after a lifetime of near-constant togetherness.
The Detroit Pistons’ clash with the Houston Rockets, culminating in a 136-113 Rockets victory, marked the twins’ premier NBA encounter, overshadowing their fiercely contested backyard showdowns over the years.
In commemoration, both teams plan to celebrate their next game on January 12 in Detroit, Twin Night, by distributing interlocking bobbleheads featuring both players in their respective uniforms.
While the NBA has seen other notable twin pairs like Horace and Harvey Grant or Robin and Brook Lopez, none were drafted as high as the Thompsons. Opting for an unconventional path through Overtime Elite in Atlanta, bypassing high school senior and college freshman years, catapulted them into the NBA’s top 10 picks.
The Pistons’ record-breaking losing streak, broken against the Toronto Raptors, spared Ausar from more relentless ribbing by Amen.
“He’s been giving me a hard time, teasing about our record,” Ausar shared. “I teased him when they were 0-3 and we were 2-1. Turnabout’s fair play.”
Their brotherhood, founded on friendly banter, reflects their relationship dynamics. Although older, Amen embraces Ausar’s moniker as the “big brother.” Both stand at 6-foot-7, with Ausar being six pounds heavier.
Their upbringing, marked by competitive AAU games and critical car rides home, instilled an early sense of maturity and an unrelenting work ethic. These experiences shaped their approach to basketball and solidified their bond.
For Ausar, every game, dating back to sixth grade, serves as a learning tool, replayed to understand his performances better. “Always trying to learn, be the best I can be,” he asserted, highlighting his commitment to improvement.
Their NBA journeys might differ, but their competitive spirit, nurtured through sibling rivalry, remains an enduring force binding the Thompson twins, both on and off the court.
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