Playoff Picture: Boston Celtics

Go-To Guy

Isaiah Thomas

It seems strange to put a bench player in here as this team’s go-to guy, but Thomas has quickly come in and put his mark all over this Celtics team. His 19 points per contest is a team high, despite the fact he hasn’t started a single game for the Boston. That’s just as well, as Green was the go-to scorer on this team at the beginning of the year.

Players are often described as spark plugs, high energy guys who come off the bench to ignite the second unit and in turn, the crowd. Thomas is most certainly that, he’s probably the best in the league at doing this. But it goes beyond that, he’s a spark plug for entire organizations. We saw it in Sacramento with the Kings.

Although things didn’t quite work out in his last stop with the Phoenix Suns, that was hardly all his fault. He can be a little selfish with the ball, but for a guy who stands less than six feet tall, he’s fearless going into the paint. That relentless attitude is a big reason he’s so successful. He’s a mini wrecking ball, some nights he’s like Russell Westbrook lite.

He always manages to get his shot off through an array of fake moves and some nice handles. Zoning in on the series against Cleveland, Thomas could have some real joy against their second unit too. They are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and Thomas could easily get the better of Matthew Dellavedova. He continues to be a thorn in the side for opponents.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

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