Celtics Hardwood News: Isaiah Thomas Continues Fourth Quarter Magic
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas continues to be clutch in the fourth quarter leading the Celtics to a 113-109 victory over Detroit.
When it comes to scoring performances, Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas continues show why he is one of the more dangerous scorers in the NBA. In the team’s 113-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons Monday night, Thomas scored a game-high 41 points, 24 of which coming in the fourth quarter.
What’s impressive is that Thomas nearly joined some pretty elite company in Celtics history with the 41-point output. He was just one point away from joining both Larry Bird and Paul Pierce as the only Celtics to average 33 points in one month. And what a January it has been for Thomas.
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Not only has he kept up his torrid scoring pace, he has led his team to the No. 2 spot in the Eastern conference. While the team looks for a big man to settle things down low, Thomas is etching his niche as a big-time clutch fourth quarter scorer.
As far as playing at a level just about equal to those of Bird and Pierce, Thomas said his focus is on winning foremost, but does have an eye on catching those great Celtics legends.
"“That doesn’t even seem real,” Thomas said of his 32.9 point average in January via CSNNE.com. “That’s doesn’t sound real. So many players who did it before me, to have my name up there with those legends is like unbelievable. I’m going to keep trying to catch those guys, and keep winning.”"
Notes & quotes
Jae Crowder: Crowder continues to shoot the ball well as of late. He scored 21 points in Monday night’s victory over the Pistons. He shot 6-for12 from the field and an impressive 4-for-6 on 3’s. He also grabbed eight rebounds demonstrating just how versatile of a forward he is on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
Al Horford: Celtics big man Al Horford returned to the lineup after a two-game absence. While not completely 100 percent, Horford’s presence was nice to see as he hopes to help his team maintain their current three-game winning streak.
Avery Bradley on timeline of return via Masslive.com.
"“I feel great, really good. I’m practicing (Tuesday) and hoping I can play for Wednesday. That’s the game plan.”"
Brad Stevens on starting Jonas Jerebko via Masslive.com.
"“I think that we are going to be best if we start really focusing on how we best can play night-in, night-out. So there will be some times where (Jerebko) does start, and some times where he doesn’t.”"
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The Boston Celtics will next host the Toronto Raptors Wednesday night at TD Garden.