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Timeout: Boston Celtics aren’t better without Isaiah Thomas

By Talar Kahwajian

May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) controls the ball as Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) defends during the first half in game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) controls the ball as Washington Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) defends during the first half in game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics won game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals without their star Isaiah Thomas.  But that doesn’t mean they’re better without him.

Okay, I’m going to address this now before it really gets out of hand.  Yes the Boston Celtics won an epic game last night, they moved the ball around and really played a different style of basketball.  But guys, that doesn’t mean you can just discount Isaiah Thomas.

The argument that this team is better without him is kinda nuts, because he’s just so good.  Yes, they’re better defensively, the Cleveland Cavaliers can’t just attack IT in the post anymore if he’s not there.  You’re going to attack Marcus Smart in the post? Do it. I dare you to do it.

Realistically guys, IT is a MAJOR reason why the Celtics even find themselves in the Eastern Conference Finals against the defending champs.

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He took over late game situations in the first two series, and scored 53 in game 2 against Washington!  He played through his sister’s death, broken teeth and was basically on one hip for awhile.  So no, the Celtics are not an overall better team without him.  Their brand of basketball does change, you see Brad Steven’s system really at work. Ball movement, inside-out game. It really is a beautiful system.

Things change when you have a superstar.

Your style of play might slow down a little, Thomas plays within the system but he’s also the only guy on the team capable of getting his own shot. Which means at times when he feels like taking over, he can.  How many times did we see Paul Pierce at the end of a game dribble drive, only to take a step back jumper? That was all him. That’s what superstars do, they’ll say “hey, I know there’s a system but I need to take over my own way right now.”

Marcus Smart had a lights out game, and I was pumped to see him so good offensively when he’s struggled so much.  Cleveland plays IT much better than other teams do, so put the argument to rest about whether Boston doesn’t even need him.

Next: Marcus Smart Defines True Grit in Game 3

It’s all about matchups in the playoffs, and with IT out the C’s get to put more pressure on the Cavs defensively.  Isaiah Thomas is still the engine of this team.

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