1. Isaiah’s shooting

Thomas has 33 and 24 points in the last two games, but he's hit just 2-of-19 treys in that pair. And when you add Game 3, when the C's were a mere plus-2 with him on the court, he's at 4-of-26 on 3-pointers (15.4 percent). This from a guy who shot 37.9 from beyond the arc in the regular season. He's noted that he's getting good looks, and indeed he is now that the Bulls have been laying Robin Lopez back a bit on those high pick-and-rolls. That could take away some of his lanes to the hoop, but it also means a little more room for his outside shot.

If the Celts can win tonight and have Atlanta force a Game 7 against Washington, Isaiah will have ample time in the gym — with the C's and alone — to rediscover a stroke that certainly hasn't gone too far away.

What's funny here is that if I were writing this for a Chicago paper with the Bulls ahead, 2-1, Isaiah's shooting would still be a major key. The Bulls would want to get the series over before Thomas has a chance to regain his groove and bury them in a Game 7.