2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team's Week 1 MVP

2016 NBA Playoffs: Each Team’s Week 1 MVP

April 16, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts to the crowd as they take on the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Hawks 111-103. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas

Before Friday night’s Game 3, Isaiah Thomas had a total of 43 points on 33.3 percent shooting through the first two games of the series. In that magical Game 3 performance at TD Garden, Thomas cemented himself among some of the Boston Celtics‘ all-time greats with a 42-point game (on 12-of-24 shooting) that breathed life into a series many thought was over.

Through the first three games, Thomas is now averaging a team-high 28.3 points per game — nearly 10 more than Boston’s second leading scorer, Avery Bradley, and 15 more than any Celtic who’s actually played more than one game. Thomas is only shooting 40 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range, but there’s no question he’s Boston’s only hope now.

More hoops habit: 2016 NBA Playoffs: The Deciding Factor In Each First Round Series

Despite his 42 points and a 21-point lead for the Celtics, the Hawks still nearly won Game 3, so it’s going to take another virtuoso performance from I.T. (or at least some help from guys like Jae Crowder and Jared Sullinger) to tie this series up. But with their backs against the wall, the Celtics needed a big game from their All-Star, and he absolutely delivered.