Isaiah Thomas: Boston Celtics ‘All Talk’ When it Comes to Defense
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas explains the team’s lack of defense so far this season as a mindset.
Following an embarrassing 123-107 blowout loss to the Denver Nuggets Sunday night, Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas was left trying to explain the team’s lack of defensive effort, especially for a team that prides itself on toughness and ferocity on the defensive end.
Although the Celtics do have an excuse as they have missed their best defenders so far this young season, Thomas believes they should still be able to get the job done.
"“At this point we’re all talk,” Thomas said following the game via Masslive.com."
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Due to injuries, Al Horford, Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart have not stepped foot on the court together. They are also missing some size with the absence of 7-footer Kelly Olynyk. Add those injuries with the fact that hey have lost Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger and Boston finds themselves in a transition period.
Quite simply, it is going to take some time for the current group of Celtics to get it together. So far this young season, they are ranked 29th in defense. What is most troubling is that they have allowed the most 3-pointers in the league. The perimeter defense is where they should be excelling with a defensive player like Avery Bradley out there.
Basically the team needs to improve and improve fast because there will be games Thomas is unable to score 30 points nor should they depend on him to. The All-Star guard is not panicking however.
"“It’s only six games in so we don’t want to panic,” Thomas added. “At the same time, these signs aren’t good. We aren’t giving our all on the defensive end. We can have five starters out, but it’s a mindset thing on that end. We have to do a better job on that end so it doesn’t matter who’s out, we just have to be a physical team. I think they said we are the smallest team in the NBA, and we’re definitely playing like it.”"
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When the Celtics are fully healthy, the defensive intensity should improve. If it doesn’t, expect Danny Ainge to make a couple moves.