Boston Celtics News & Notes: Isaiah Thomas Playing a Big Man’s Game
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas may be a little man, but he is playing big and putting up huge numbers.
He only stands at 5-foot-9, but Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas refuses to back down from his taller competition. Thomas is not only putting up big numbers on the scoreboard, but he is playing as if he is bigger than he is.
The fearlessness and tenacity was on display in the Celtics 99-93 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves a week ago. After being flattened by 6-foot-10 center Gorgui Dieng on a screen, Thomas jumped up and got in the face of the big man. The moment not only showed the toughness of Thomas, but helped pump up his team.
More from Boston Celtics
- 3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 Season
- Blake Griffin Angling Hard to Re-Sign With Celtics
- Game-by-Game Predictions for the Celtics’ 2023-24 In-Season Tournament Schedule
- Kristaps Porzingis’ Foot Injury is a Problem Despite Celtics’ Optimism
- Marcus Smart, Grant Williams and Ime Udoka all Returning to Boston on 2023-24 Schedule
So far this season, Thomas is averaging 26.1 points per game. He is scoring in many ways as he isn’t reluctant to drive to the basket with his small frame. Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens recognizes how Thomas puts pressure on the defense by taking it to the hoop.
"“He puts pressure on the defense just because he is in constant attack mode,” Stevens said via Boston.com. “He’s always live. He’s always a threat and he’s got great explosion in his drives.”"
Add a bit of anger behind that explosion and you have a player who is at times unstoppable despite his size. He is a force opposing coaches are weary of, including one of the best defensive coaches in the game, Tom Thibodeau.
"“He’s a touch cover,” the Timberwolves coach said. “He’s got a great hesitation. He’ll throw his body into you. He can sell it. He’s clever. He’s got a lot of different ways he can finish.”"
Although he is the smallest guy on the court, Isaiah Thomas is thriving in a big man’s game.
Notes
Al Horford: According to Adam Himmelsbach, the Boston Celtics will be without All-Star big man Al Horford when the team travels to take on the Miami Heat Monday night.
The absence, however, is not due to injury but some actual good news for Horford and his family. The 30-year-old has become a dad again. Kelly Olynyk will play in Horford’s place in hopes of containing Heat forward Hassan Whiteside in the paint.
Olynyk averaged 10 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in Horford’s absence due to concussion. He will need similar numbers to help the team pull out a victory in Miami.
Next: Malcolm Mitchell Trending in Right Direction
To keep up to date on Boston Celtics game results, player news and roster moves, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.