The Cleveland Cavaliers’ plan to limit Isaiah Thomas? Make him play defense.
The explosive Boston Celtics point guard is a wizard on the offensive end but probably the weakest defender in the C’s backcourt. The Cavs, who host the Celtics on Sunday in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, aim to exploit that.
“I think it’s a collective effort,” Cleveland reserve Shawn Marion said Saturday, via the Boston Herald. “We know Isaiah Thomas comes off the bench and it’s predominantly him shooting every time. He’s averaging 20 points off the bench.
“You know, he’s a handful, so we’ve got to make sure we lock in on him and make him play both ends of the floor. If he wants to shoot 20 times, he’s going to have to guard 20 times, you know what I’m saying?
“… Some guys can go out there and get 30 points, but make them play damn defense. They can give up 30 points on the other end just as well. It’s a two-way street.”
The Celtics often are able to hide Thomas’ defensive shortcomings by playing him alongside the likes of Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart, both of whom are known for their tenacity on the defensive end. Expect more of the same against Cleveland, which boasts a lineup chock full of offensive weapons.
Boston will rely on Thomas’ offensive contributions. The 5-foot-9 guard has averaged 19.0 points and 5.4 assists over his 21 games since joining the Celtics at the trade deadline.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
