The Boston Celtics have lost two straight games to the Washington Wizards to tie up their second-round series. Both losses have been blowouts, leaving the Celtics in danger of losing in an upset.
While there were many reasons behind the C’s loss to the Wizards in game four, including a massive 26-0 run by Washington in the third quarter, Boston star Isaiah Thomas thinks the officials had a say in the final result.
Following from Thomas’ post-game press conference:
"I might have hit the ground five or six straight times and I’m not the one that likes hitting the ground.” pic.twitter.com/1Lw2k5m714
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) May 8, 2017
Thomas’ frustrations stemmed from not going to the free throw line at all in game four, a disparaging situation for any NBA superstar. But the point guard is averaging 8.4 free throw attempts per game throughout the playoffs, with the eighth highest free throw rate in the playoffs among players with at least 200 minutes.
So yeah, Isaiah might have had beef during that game, but he’s had a favorable whistle during the entire postseason. Nevertheless, a little post-game pandering to get foul calls never hurt anyone. It’s the playoff tradition that never stops.