Isaiah Thomas Outlasts Bulls in Game 4

Isaiah Thomas had his best game of the post season, leading the Boston Celtics to a game four victory

Isaiah Thomas scored 33 points (17 in the 2nd half) and added seven assists, while shooting 12-13 from the stripe in the Game 4 win in Chicago. The Bulls trailed by as many as 20 points, but took a 65-63 lead in the 3rd. Thomas quickly regained the lead after the Bulls stole it for a brief moment, and had a second half for the ages as he led a 12-0 run, including 10 points.

Either scoring himself, or setting up his teammates for easy baskets, Thomas was absolutely ridiculous down the stretch. Thomas was a game-high +17 for the game. Al Horford added a double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds), Gerald Green added 18 points (16 in the 1st half), and Marcus Smart continued to make crucial, gritty plays.

Jerian Grant is officially in the dog house. He started, but was immediately pulled. He only played five minutes and was -10 tonight. Michael Carter-Williams was in the same boat, as he only played eight minutes, had two turnovers, and was -11. The two point guards combined for two assists and 0 points. Coach Hoiberg elected to go with Isaiah Canaan in Game 4, considering the unsuccessful play of both Grant and Carter-Williams. Canaan played 34 minutes off the bench, scored 13 points, went 3-7 from 3-point range, and played great defense. Canaan was also +11 tonight (the only Bulls player in the positive column).

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Point guard Cameron Payne was inactive. Canaan primarily played off the ball tonight, and Jimmy Butler ran the show at point guard. Butler was one assist shy of a double-double (33 points, 9 assists) and was 19-23 from the line. Despite the loss, Hoiberg found out something tonight. Butler will be running the offense for the rest of the series, and Canaan will continue to get significant minutes.

With Grant and Carter-Williams both being useless and ineffective, Hoiberg may give  Payne a chance (in addition to riding with Canaan). Not many expected Canaan to play tonight, but with the point guard debacle, his name was called upon and he played well. 34 minutes was the most Canaan played in a game all season long, and was only the second time that he eclipsed the 30 minute mark this year.

Next: Why Jaylen Brown Hasn't Played Much Against the Bulls

Game five will be back in the Garden on Wednesday night. Although Hoiberg has found some lineups to work with, the Celtics are hot right now and are playing great team basketball. Stevens has found some lineups that he likes as well, including the insertion of Green into the starting lineup. Avery Bradley was the only starter not in double figures, but Bradley was sensational on the defensive end. Look for the Celtics to continue this winning streak in Boston. The crowd will definitely be loud back home.