Osar Thompson’s handwriting: Efforts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

. We might play by the book in the first three quarters, but then in the fourth quarter, because the game is on the line, we get nervous and think, "We have to win." So we started to deviate from our best style of play. Teams that win will still play the same game in the fourth quarter as they did in the first, they may take the clock and score into account, but ultimately stick to their system. We need to learn to play freely but also know when to slow down.

Once we understand this, our performance gets better and better. The veterans are able to lead the team and keep us focused every night. For example, Beasley broke the Pistons' three-point field goal record before the All-Star break. I remember that game was the second of a back-to-back, and his shooting ability was just incredible. I didn't realize what a great shooter he was until he came to the Pistons. There's also Cade, who stepped up after J.I. was injured and took on more ball-handling duties. He never complained or blamed anyone. These are key factors in our ability to make the playoffs.

In this alliance, life changes quickly. Maybe you're 14-68 one season and then the next season you're in the playoffs.

The atmosphere in the playoffs is really crazy, it reminds me of the feeling of playing in big games in AAU, or competing in state tournaments. The crowd is so passionate, everyone is so engaged and you want to be on the winning team. That's how we felt against New York. Every game is like a life and death battle, as if it is a fight for life. It feels really hard to lose. We were hoping to play Boston in the next round. Therefore, we are not satisfied with this ending. All summer long, my only thought was to get back in that position and win the series.

This is the first time I've had a full offseason healthy, so I've put a lot of effort into this summer. I feel freer and can train harder. I also adjusted my mindset and thought about how I wanted to feel after the game. Basically, I want to give my all in every game, leave no regrets, and seize every opportunity to show my aggression. As a player, I am more motivated now and want to go further. Even though I'm not a veteran, I can learn a few things from Hardaway Jr., Beasley and Harris. Such as becoming more vocal and becoming a better leader.

The last thing I want to say is this.

Before Game 2 against the Knicks, I was thinking about this city. For some reason it reminded me of Oakland. Maybe I'm just starting to feel like home here. It feels good to play for Detroit because the city really believes in us. So, heading into Game 2 after losing Game 1, I thought to myself: Detroit needs to see playoff basketball again. The city needs a win. I tried my best and even left the field with six fouls. But that was my first playoff win in the league and I'll never forget it.

Now that we are back and a new season has begun, everything in the past no longer seems important. We have to take it game by game and hopefully after 77 games we hope to get back to where we were before.

We know how to win, we just need to be consistent.

Don't think too much and don't make things complicated.

Just defend well and attack quickly.

See you on the court.

Osar

Original text: Osar-Thompson

Compiled by: JayChan