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Key Moment
If the Detroit Pistons forgot who is the King in the Fourth in the NBA, Isaiah Thomas served them a resounding reminder Monday night.
The little guy, who entered the game leading the league in fourth-quarter scoring (10.3 points per fourth quarter) and the East in overall scoring (29.1 points per game), surpassed both of his unbelievable averages – with ease – during Monday night’s 113-109 win over the visiting Pistons.
Thomas racked up an incredible 24 points during the fourth quarter alone to take his total to 41 on the night, and the Celtics needed every single one of them.
Detroit scored 39 points during the fourth quarter after scoring no more than 25 during any of the first three quarters of the game. In order to keep pace and maintain a lead, the C’s needed Thomas to deliver, and he did exactly that.
Thomas’ fourth quarter featured six made field goals, three made 3-pointers and nine made free throws. Every time the Pistons made a big shot, such as their eight points in s span of just 59 seconds midway through the fourth to take a 96-93 lead, Thomas was there to answer.
All in all, Thomas scored 22 of Boston’s final 25 points of the game to hold off Detroit’s comeback bid.
Key Player
You’ve already heard about what Isaiah Thomas did during the fourth quarter. Let’s talk about what he did in the entire game.
Thomas scored a game-high 41 points, 13 more than any other player in the game and 20 more than any other Celtic. He shot 11-for-23 from the field, 4-for-11 from long range, and a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line.
The majority of his points – 24, to be exact – came during the fourth quarter, allowing him to rack up plenty of assists during the first three quarters. His eight assists also led the game, along with Marcus Smart, who matched that number.
Just for kicks, IT added in two steals during the game, which tied for the high in the game.
What else can be said about this guy? He is playing at a level that he probably never even dreamed of, a level that has the Celtics in sole possession of second place in the East with an eye on the top seed, as Cleveland owns only a 2.5-game advantage after Monday’s action.
Box Score Nuggets
- Isaiah Thomas tied or led the game in points (41), assists (eight) and steals (two).
- Andre Drummond notched a 20-20 game with 28 points and 22 rebounds.
- Jonas Jerebko led the Celtics with 10 boards.
- Despite Drummond's 22 boards, the Celtics only lost the rebounding battle by a count of 51-44.
- Thomas shot a sparkling 15-for-15 from the free-throw line.
- Both teams scored at least 34 points during the fourth quarter.
- Detroit scored a whopping 50 points in the paint.
- Marcus Smart tied Thomas for the game high in assists with eight of his own.
- No Piston other than Drummond scored more than 15 points.
- The contest featured 10 ties and 10 lead changes.
- Detroit shot a woeful 3-for-27 (11.1 percent) from long range.
- Al Horford stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots.
- The teams combined to commit only 17 turnovers, seven by Detroit and 10 by Boston.
- Both teams grabbed six steals.
Quote of the Night
Brad Stevens jokes about his decision to foul or not foul Andre Drummond.