Phil Perry and Tom Giles debate how concerned we should be with the Celtics’ struggles late in close games this season and if it’s a sign of bigger issues to come once the playoffs begin.
It didn't take long for beloved ex-Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas to make an impact in his return to the G League on Thursday night.
The 35-year-old got off to a hot start, scoring 18 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field in just 19 first-half minutes. While his field goal percentage dropped throughout the second half, finishing 7-of-23 from the field and 5-of-17 from 3-point range, Thomas finished the night with a game-high 32 points, four assists, a steal, and a rebound in the Salt Lake City Stars' 127-116 win over the Texas Legends.
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Thomas was signed to the Stars, the Utah Jazz G League affiliate, just two days ago after making it clear he has his eyes on an NBA return. The two-time All-Star last made an NBA appearance in the 2022 season where he played 17 games for the Charlotte Hornets after being called up from the G League.
Prior to Thursday night's game, Thomas last saw G League minutes in 2022 for the Denver Nuggets' affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. In his three games with the Gold, Thomas averaged 41.8 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds to earn himself call-ups with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Hornets.
The 5-foot-9 guard has kept it no secret that he wants to return to the NBA, making frequent posts on X about how he can still contribute. Replying to a post that had said he should fill Boston's final roster spot, Thomas replied advocating for how his leadership could help the Celtics get over the hump, adding that he wouldn't even need to play.
At his peak, Thomas became a fan favorite for the Celtics, earning two All-Star nods and a fifth-place finish in the MVP vote. In his two All-Star seasons with Boston, the "King of the Fourth" averaged 25.5 points, 6.1 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and a steal, proving height is not an indicator of how successful a player can be at the highest level.
Thomas will have another chance to prove to NBA teams that he's ready for a call-up on Sunday afternoon when the Stars take on the Miami Heat's affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
