Chowder and Champions
Fansided

Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas credits Kobe Bryant for recent playoff performances

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts after scoring 53 points in defeating the Washington Wizards in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts after scoring 53 points in defeating the Washington Wizards in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas has gotten some great support from past and current sports superstars, including one from his team’s all-time rivals.

A past Los Angeles Lakers superstar giving advice to a current Boston Celtics star?

That is exactly the scenario when it comes to NBA great Kobe Bryant and Isaiah Thomas.  Following his 53-game performance in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the 5-foot-9 little man with the big heart and spirit reveals that he has been talking and texting with Bryant to get feedback in improving his game.

Thomas said he first emailed video to the former Lakers star after the Celtics fell down 2-0 in the first round to the Chicago Bulls.  The five-time NBA champion analyzed Thomas’s play and gave him tips on areas he could improve.

More from Chowder and Champions

"“Mentally, he’s just on a different level than anybody I’ve ever met,” Thomas told reporters Wednesday, via NBA.com.  “He watched every second, telling me what times to go to look at and certain plays and things I didn’t look at when I watched film.  Mentally, you can tell he’s one of the greatest ever.”"

Receiving that kind of feedback and support from a player as great as Bryant was a humbling experience for Thomas.  Even though it was coming from a Laker, the Celtics point guard was grateful and so are fans after the offensive display he put forward in Tuesday night’s overtime victory.

An All-Star cast of support

Kobe Bryant isn’t the only sports star who offered Isaiah Thomas inspiration following the death of his sister.  New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, former Celtics star Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson and boxer Floyd Mayweather have also taken time to send Thomas personal messages.

Related Story: Kevin Garnett explains video message he sent team

While keeping his sister’s memory with him as his source of strength, the support he has received from these stars have been monumental.

"“It doesn’t seem real,” Thomas said.  “When I get done with games and I see text messages from Kobe, Tom Brady and Floyd, all those types of guys that I’m trying to follow in their footsteps, it says a lot.  I’m just trying to continue to keep going as a basketball player and as a person.”"

With each game and with each impressive performance, Thomas is beginning to etch his name in the long list of Boston Celtics greats.

Next: Mike Gillislee gets his chance to play with the best

Winning championships will get him there.  But when it comes to individual performances, he is certainly already a player peers and fans have come to admire.

Home/Boston Celtics