Boston Celtics Hardwood News: Isaiah Thomas Scores 41 against Blazers

Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas somehow managed to score 41 points in a 127-123 overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The little big man did it again. In a 127-123 loss Saturday afternoon, Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas scored 41 points in a game in which he was mainly defended by former Celtics swingman Evan Turner.

Despite the production, it wasn’t like Thomas scorched the Blazers. He had to work hard for those points. The fact that he was able to put up 40 against a tough defensive effort is more evidence of the type of star the Boston Celtics have in Isaiah Thomas.

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"“For a guy who scored 41,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said after the game via the Worcester Telegram. “Evan did a hell of a job. I thought Evan really competed against him and I think it goes to show how good Isaiah Thomas is because I thought Evan really made him work for his points.”"

Overall, Thomas went 14 of 28 from the field and turned over the ball six times. At 5-foot-9, the Celtics star guard definitely had to work against the 6-foot-7 Turner. The competitiveness between the two was evident during and after the game. Turner told reporters that it felt like he held Thomas to a “15-pointer” which got a chuckle out of his former teammate.

"“He talked here and there,” Thomas said. “But that’s just friendly talk. I was busting his butt. I let him know about that.“You know, he’s always talking. He was like: ‘Yeah, I held you to 38.’ He said something funny. It wasn’t funny then, though.”"

Notes & quotes

Turner’s return to Boston: Evan Turner received applause during his introduction at TD Garden on Saturday. After leaving the Celtics to sign a four-year, $70 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers this summer, the applause was a nice gesture from the crowd who appreciated his time in Boston.

Overall, Turner had a nice game against his former team. He finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. His defense against Thomas was a reminder of what the team has missed off the bench this season. At the end of the day, however, he marveled about his time with the Boston Celtics.

"“We had a great team,” Turner said via ESPN. “We had a great chemistry amongst our team. I think that’s one thing that I really recognized. Not saying we don’t [in Portland] but just, in the locker room, laughing feels kind of rare. I definitely appreciated that the most.“And playing at the Garden was dope. Putting on the jersey was definitely dope. You don’t take it for granted. This isn’t like a normal franchise. I definitely miss that experience.”"

Brad Stevens on Terry Rozier’s 3-point range this season via CSNNE.com.

"“He’s a really good shooter. I think with more opportunity that will show itself true, but he made some big ones in the fourth quarter. We went to him a few different times out of time-outs, and felt good about him making that one.”"

Next: Thomas Snubbed From All-Star Starting Five

The Boston Celtics will next travel to Washington to take on the Wizards Tuesday night.

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