Written by James Herbert at CBS Sports.com
A few months ago, I asked Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors All-Star and basketball junkie, whom he had been paying attention to around the league. Lowry said he watches everybody, but then singled one player out.
“I’m mesmerized with Isaiah Thomas right now,” Lowry told me. “I’m mesmerized with his little ass. It’s f—ing crazy.”
Lowry spoke for much of the NBA. Thomas, the No. 60 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, had ascended to All-Star status the previous season, but the story got even more special this season. He averaged 28.9 points, trailing only MVP candidates Russell Westbrook and James Harden, and made a habit of dominating fourth quarters. Empowered by coach Brad Stevens, Thomas coupled his increased responsibility with more efficiency and fewer turnovers. Despite being atop every opposing team’s scouting report, nobody could slow him down.
“It’s his shiftiness,” Lowry said. “It’s his movement. It’s his hesitation. It’s his finishing at the rim. It’s his foul-drawing. I just try to take something from everything. Right now I’m really watching him closely and taking little things from him.”
Back on New Year’s Eve, LeBron James said Thomas was the main reason for the Celtics’ success, calling him a “unique talent” and a “clear-cut star.” At All-Star weekend, Stephen Curry raved about Thomas’ confidence and perseverance, saying he’s “fun to watch except when you’re trying to guard him.”
This was the year that Isaiah — with two A’s — became a household name. Once the playoffs started, Thomas’ legend only grew. He never missed a game despite the tragic death of his sister just before the start of the first round. He took an elbow and lost one of his front teeth in the first game of the second round, finishing that particular contest with 33 points, nine assists and a win. After hours of oral surgery, he scored 53 points in a comeback victory, and when the Washington Wizards decided to swarm him after that, he adjusted by being more of a facilitator.
To continue reading this article, click here.
