The final evolution of IT

[Green-18]

After watching the game last night I would like to hear how people feel about the potential next step for IT.  The 12/2 assist to turnover ratio was such a significant part of the game and I believe IT should spend this summer dissecting everything that has been thrown at him in the postseason.  One play that really stands out is when Washington tried to trap him coming off of a pick and he hit KO with a bullet right under the hoop.  The most impressive part to me is the patience that he showed.   

Does anyone think IT can turn into a consistent 12+ assist player when teams are committed to trapping and doubling for an entire playoff game?  It would be great to see him get to a point where defense's can't commit to throwing everything at him for 40+ mins.  Our supporting cast will continue to improve and I am expecting IT to take it to another level next year. 

[Big333223]

Does anyone think IT can turn into a consistent 12+ assist player when teams are committed to trapping and doubling for an entire playoff game?

12 assists is a lot. But as dangerous as IT is, the more teams pay attention to him, the more openings there are going to be. Last night was a great example of this and Thomas made a lot of Smart plays, not forcing his offense (too much). If he can get comfortable doing what he did last night I don't see any reason he shouldn't average 8 apg for the next couple of seasons.

Great observation.

[TheSundanceKid]

Have you been watching Dragonball Z? 

People will criticise Isaiah for not keeping up his scoring in that series but in all honesty he did exactly what he was meant to do. Everypossession he had 3 guys on him and the other 2 looking his way. If the Cavs do that he'll have to step up and become the playmaker again. So it's certainly possible he averages a double double.

Al Horford is the key guy for me though. He has the ability to take some of that pressure off of Isaiah and he can really bring Bradley and Crowder into the game

[JohnBoy65]

I also thought last night was our best night in a while in making sharp cuts towards the basket.We looked really good going towards the basket off the ball.

[Green-18]

Have you been watching Dragonball Z? 

People will criticise Isaiah for not keeping up his scoring in that series but in all honesty he did exactly what he was meant to do. Everypossession he had 3 guys on him and the other 2 looking his way. If the Cavs do that he'll have to step up and become the playmaker again. So it's certainly possible he averages a double double.

Al Horford is the key guy for me though. He has the ability to take some of that pressure off of Isaiah and he can really bring Bradley and Crowder into the game

His ability as a playmaker will allow us to dictate terms against the opponent.  Ideally we get to a point where doubling IT for an entire game isn't a worthwhile option.  It will be interesting to see how Cleveland decides to play us.   

[Green-18]

I also thought last night was our best night in a while in making sharp cuts towards the basket.We looked really good going towards the basket off the ball.

I agree 100%.  Everyone contributed and made it possible for IT to handle the double teams.  It was great to see Jae have a positive impact without his perimeter shots falling.

[manl_lui]

Have you been watching Dragonball Z? 

People will criticise Isaiah for not keeping up his scoring in that series but in all honesty he did exactly what he was meant to do. Everypossession he had 3 guys on him and the other 2 looking his way. If the Cavs do that he'll have to step up and become the playmaker again. So it's certainly possible he averages a double double.

Al Horford is the key guy for me though. He has the ability to take some of that pressure off of Isaiah and he can really bring Bradley and Crowder into the game

and IT will go even further BEYOND!!!!!

[TheSundanceKid]

Have you been watching Dragonball Z? 

People will criticise Isaiah for not keeping up his scoring in that series but in all honesty he did exactly what he was meant to do. Everypossession he had 3 guys on him and the other 2 looking his way. If the Cavs do that he'll have to step up and become the playmaker again. So it's certainly possible he averages a double double.

Al Horford is the key guy for me though. He has the ability to take some of that pressure off of Isaiah and he can really bring Bradley and Crowder into the game

and IT will go even further BEYOND!!!!!

Lol TP!

[GreenEnvy]

I know KO and Smart got most of the attention last night, and deservedly so, but I thought Isaiah was excellent and his performance flew under the radar.

His 29 and 12 coupled with a couple of huge baskets down the stretch were pretty significant. His passes were crisp (a couple led to another pass or FT's that he doesn't get credit in the box score for). The effort was there on defense.

Wonderful job last night by the C's.

[Vermont Green]

Thomas has exceeded my every expectation.  First I thought his ceiling was 6th man of the year.  Then I thought solid starter, volume scorer (but inefficient).  Then, OK, efficient scorer but with a ceiling on how much he can make others better.

You really see him trying to choose spots to shoot, spots to pass, spots to be a decoy.  I have been very impressed.  I am not sure there is enough around him on this team right now where he could swing the full arc to a player that averaged say 18 pts / 12 asts and the team was better for it.  I no longer doubt though that he could be that player if given the right situation.

Make no mistake, that was a terrific game 7.  He is still someone that can be exploited on defense; Washington did that, but you have to hand it to him as the leader and best player on a team going to the ECF.  That is something Westbrook, Harden, George, Butler, etc... can't match.