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Former Washington Husky Isaiah Thomas Leading Celtics

By Bret Stuter

Apr 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) talks to a teammate after having a tooth knocked out during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) talks to a teammate after having a tooth knocked out during the second quarter in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite tragedy and defensive limits, Washington Husky Alum point guard Isaiah Thomas is leading the Boston Celtics through the NBA Playoffs

Washington Husky Alum Point guard Isaiah Thomas is everything that is right with the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he can be everything that is wrong with the Celtics as well.  For now, he is everything right. In spite of the tragic untimely loss of his sister, he had to face personal loss before millions of national NBA viewers.

While the fact that the entire nation tuned in to witness the tears of a great NBA player over the loss of his beloved sister’s passing, I was more in admiration of his ability to feel so much emotion and still play NBA playoff caliber basketball.

Unfortunately, if not for the injured hand of Chicago Bulls Rajon Rondo, the Celtics may never have advanced.  As it was, from the moment Rondo dropped out, the Celtics made a four game run to seal the first round and move on.

Sinking His Teeth Into Round 2 NBA Playoffs

But each round offers a new challenge. The team faces the Washington Wizards in round two of the NBA Playoffs.  In game one, Isaiah Thomas helped win the war but lost a battle. Or rather his smile, as he lost a tooth during play.

But smiles aside, the Celtics may have an Achilles Heel (Sorry Sidney Jones IV) in their defense.  Check out this tweet by FanSided’s Ian Levy.

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Who Comes To Thomas’ Defense?

In the linked article, Levy comes right to the point.  Thomas’ defense can be the Celtics downfall in the playoffs. As he states in his article:

"” ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus estimated Thomas to be the worst defensive point guard in the league this season, contributing -3.87 points per 100 possessions to his team’s performance at that end. That mark would also make him the second-worst defender in the entire league, trailing only Doug McDermott.”"

Now, Thomas scored 33 points and dished out 9 assists to seal the Celtics victory. But the Wizards did manage to attack the basket via Thomas, and you can bet down a game that will be the same route they take in games two-seven.  Until now, the Celtics have managed to get to the playoffs, but not much more than that.

Next: Washington Huskies Sidney Jones IV and Elijah Qualls Make NFL Synergy

Point guard Isaiah Thomas is everything that is right with the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, he can be everything that is wrong with the Celtics as well.

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