Isaiah Thomas, Celtics Keeping NBA Playoff Hopes Alive Amid Adversity

Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics needed their 111-103 Game 3 victory over the Atlanta Hawks Friday night.

Quite obviously, they needed it to avoid the 3-0 grave from which no NBA team has ever escaped. But, just as importantly, they needed it to prove that they can do this—that this series, despite all the injuries permeating their roster, is not out of reach. 

Avery Bradley, a crucial part of what Boston does offensively, remains sidelined with a strained right hamstring. Kelly Olynyk, one of the team’s most valuable two-way players, still hasn’t returned from a sore right shoulder.

Those absences should be enough to torpedo the Celtics’ chances. They’re certainly enough to quash the team’s game plan and force Brad Stevens to adjust on the fly.

And adapt he did.

Stevens distanced the Celtics from their Game 2 implosion by tweaking the starting five to Jae Crowder, Jonas Jerebko, Amir Johnson, Isaiah Thomas and Evan Turner, a lineup he could only, for the most part, feel good about in theory:

Brad Stevens was asked about the sample size he’s seen of new starting lineup. He answers w/ smile, “A whole 33 possessions. They’re a +20!”

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 22, 2016

Swapping out Jared Sullinger for Jerebko proved to be a great move. The latter didn’t shoot well from deep (1-of-4), but he led the team in plus-minus (plus-14). He scrapped on defense, fought hard on the glass (12 rebounds) and caught the Hawks’ bigs in awkward situations on the move that allowed him to fling purposeful passes.

Yes, Jerebko. A playmaker. Off the dribble. And here’s video evidence to prove it:

Jerebko goes behind-the-back to set up Rozier! #NBARapidReplay #HAWKSvCELTICS https://t.co/LL8Ej4bkh1

— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2016

The mere threat of his above-average shooting touch ripped Atlanta’s defense outside the paint more than usual, opening lanes for Boston’s guards and wings, namely Thomas and Turner. 

But especially Thomas. This was his night, and there really aren’t words to describe just how instrumental he was in leading—carrying, really—the Celtics offense.

Except maybe these words, from RealGM:

Isaiah Thomas carries the 2001 76ers how far?

— RealGM (@RealGM) April 23, 2016

Thomas totaled 42 points, a career high, on 12-of-24 …

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