Thomas leans on friends
Teammates finally pull their weight
CHICAGO — The Celtics have been a winning team because they’ve put the scoring burden on Isaiah Thomas.
Last night they were victorious because they didn’t.
The diminutive All-Star and target of MVP chants in the Garden still got up 18 shots in Game 3 against the Bulls and had a healthy 16 points, but the Celts clawed their way back into this firstround series against the Bulls because other people made the hosts pay for their attention to Thomas.
Seventy times in the 76 regularseason games he played and in both of the outings in this series prior, Thomas had been the Celtics’ leading scorer.
It’s remarkable stuff, but noteworthy, too, was the fact the Shamrocks shot less than 40 percent on uncontested shots in Game 2. Thomas made just seven of his 18 attempts here, and for just the third time all year, he didn’t take a single free throw.
But Celtics not named Isaiah Thomas shot 50 percent from the floor and 50 percent from beyond the 3-point arc (15-of-30). Al Horford led with 18 points, Jae Crowder tied Thomas with 16, and Avery Bradley added 15. Terry Rozier gave them 11 off the bench in 23 minutes. And Thomas had a game-high nine assists.
“We definitely lean on him a lot, and he’s been able to carry a lot of weight,” said Kelly Olynyk after the 104-87 win that got the Celts within 2-1. “For us to lift him up, especially with the circumstances going on, it’s big, and I’m glad we were able to do it.”
The loss of his sister in a car accident one week ago today has made life considerably more difficult on Thomas than anything the Bulls could throw at him. But last evening there was a reprieve at least in a basketball sense.
“I feel like (Thomas) really was reading the defense,” said Horford. “He was making the simple play, knowing when to shoot, knowing when to pass. He was very poised. I’m definitely proud of him with how he’s been able to handle everything and how he got it together and had a great performance (last night).”
Thomas seemed a bit different — a little more relaxed — after making a trip to Washington to grieve with his family over the loss of Chyna.
“I just think one way or another he has some closure,” said Horford, “and I just think that he really understood what they were trying to do defensively and he was able to deliver the ball. Also me playing at the 5, I had to roll more, and with the pick and roll connection, that opened everything up. Normally I’m out on the perimeter. If I’m setting it, I’m popping. And (last night) I was able to roll a little bit more and put pressure on the rim.”
That last part was big, for if Horford isn’t going to go looking for his shots, the Celtics have to find him — preferably in positions to score. Last night he made 8-of14 shots, including 2-of-3 treys.
It helped that Rajon Rondo (fractured right thumb) was not there to get in Thomas’ way, but groups of his teammates did — and that’s when Thomas exacted payment with his passes.
“They’re really putting a lot of attention on him,” said coach Brad Stevens. “They’ve got two guys on him every time he comes off a screen. It’s pretty consistent. It’s not going to be easy to find looks, so he’s going to have to work really hard for those, and then he’s just going to have to make the right next play. And we’re going to need other guys to step up and make those plays.”
Those guys included Gerald Green, who got the surprise start as the Celts shook things up. And there were Rozier and Jonas Jerebko and Bradley (4-of-6 treys) and friends drilling shots and weathering each Bulls run.
“As good as Isaiah is, the way teams are playing him, he’s going to need help,” said Marcus Smart, who had six rebounds and five assists to go with his seven points. “Other guys have to be able to step up, and we’ve got to be able to find those guys when they’re open. We moved the ball and played as a team.”
Said Crowder: “We put our offense in the hands of Isaiah because he’s such a good scorer, but he has to make the right play, whether it be for him to drive and kick or a scoring opportunity. But we put it all in his hands to make the play, and he did a great job (last night). A couple of us were able to relieve him a little bit and make shots.”
Thomas was a bit more talkative in the dressing room. His teammates appeared to speak to him with more ease. And maybe the way they all came through on the floor will ease the concern Thomas may have about trying to do it all.
But Stevens isn’t expecting Isaiah’s world to suddenly change after last week’s tragedy.
“He’s still hurting, but I can’t tell,” the coach said. “He’s been pretty engaged when he’s been with us anyways, but, you know, we have to maintain the perspective that there’s going to be some real ups and downs. That’s just part of it, and we’re here to support him. And we’re going to do our jobs and play and coach basketball, but we understand that there is a bigger picture. As you go on, certainly time provides some healing, but you’re going to always have days, and it’s still just six days away. It’s still a tough deal obviously.”
Back in the relative sanctuary of the arena, Thomas got a break. For the first time in the series, the Celtics helped him with that.