The Detroit Pistons suffered an injury scare when forward Ausar Thompson exited Wednesday night’s Game 5 against the Orlando Magic in their first-round series in the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Thompson landed awkwardly after blocking a shot at the rim in the first minute of the third quarter, twisting his right ankle upon coming down.
Caris LeVert entered the game and Thompson walked along the baseline gingerly. He eventually left the bench toward the locker room.
Thompson returned to the game at 5:27 of the third quarter with the Pistons up 78-71 in a must-win game, down in the series, 3-1. Thompson quickly led a fastbreak and dished to Tobias Harris for a dunk and 82-73 lead.
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Thompson had four points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in 20 minutes before the injury.
Thompson sprained the same ankle in the first minutes of a March 5 game at San Antonio and missed five games.
The Pistons led 66-60 at halftime.
