Isaiah Thomas: Boston Celtics last season 'played a lot harder' than Cleveland Cavaliers do now

http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2018/01/isaiah_thomas_boston_celtics_l_2.html


Isaiah Thomas: Boston Celtics last season 'played a lot harder' than Cleveland Cavaliers do now



Updated Jan 21, 5:58 AM; Posted Jan 21, 6:00 AM





Oklahoma City Thunder's Carmelo Anthony (7) drives against Cleveland Cavaliers' Isaiah Thomas (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018, in Cleveland.(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)




By Jay King mjking@masslive.com





The Cleveland Cavaliers defense has been minced several times this season, but never so badly as it was Saturday afternoon.

The Cavaliers were filleted by the Oklahoma City Thunder on national television for a total of 148 points, the most points a team has surrendered in a regulation game since November of 2016, according to Basketball-Reference.com. Over the last 10 seasons, only three other teams have given up as many points in a regulation game; two of them did it against Steve Nash's revolutionary Phoenix Suns and the other did it against the mighty Golden State Warriors. Cleveland managed the feat against the Thunder, who entered Saturday with the 12th-ranked offense.

After the shellacking, the Cavaliers rank 29th in defense and now own a negative net rating for the season. Isaiah Thomas was asked to compare his new team to the Boston Celtics club he played for last season, and did not take it easy on Cleveland.

From ESPN's Dave McMenamin:

Asked to compare the Cavs with his former team, Thomas said the Boston Celtics "were just a better defensive team."

"We played a lot harder," Thomas said of the Celtics, "and we have the guys to do that on this team. We just got to do it and really lock in on that end. We really need to trust each other on that end, and that is the biggest thing on defense is trusting the next guy that got your back, and that guy who helps trusting the next guy after that who has the backend.

"I think on that end we do not trust each other, and that has to change."

Thomas normally speaks his mind to the media. That can get him in a bit of trouble (like when he suggested Brad Stevens should stop experimenting with lineups) but it's also refreshing to hear someone willing to share his true feelings. And The Little Guy's not breaking any news here.

The Cavaliers have a reputation for taking it easy during the regular season, so maybe they have another level to reach. But they also have a frightening amount of poor defenders, including a number of veterans, like Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith, who have slipped violently on that end. Thomas will regain some of his powers with more time on the court and it's safe to say Cleveland will play better basketball later in the season. Any team with LeBron James will always have a chance. But, man, the Cavaliers have looked vulnerable lately.



bob
MY NOTE:  We all know IT loved being a Celtic and all, and I love him for that, but I'm not sure he's endearing himself to his new love by comparing them unfavorably to his recent ex.




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IT just continues to talk too much. His agent needs to get this guy's mouth under control. Every time his mouth gets out of line his paycheck next year takes a little more of a nose dive. He may have already said too much to remain in Cleveland for next season, and could even be moved out at the trading deadline this February.

Yes, he had to be included in the trade for Irving, but you can bet that it was much easier for Ainge to include him each time IT mentioned "backing up the Brink's truck".

Interesting from a guy that was not a defensive minded player.

To be honest, IT was not (and still is not) even a decent defensive player, but he did put more emphasis into playing defense last year for the Cs than his current teammates in Cleveland are doing.