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Washington Wizards: The Team Will Return Next Season – Faster, Stronger and to the Eastern Conference Finals

By Jen Julie Smith

Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) and Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrate while leaving the court after their game against the Atlanta Hawks in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 109-101 and lead the series 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) defends in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) defends in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Thomas is not King of the Fourth

Thomas as King of the Fourth is a misnomer. Because of Boston’s ability to rotate so many players, Thomas is able to rest periodically throughout the game. Therefore, by the time it’s the fourth quarter, a rested Thomas is able to come alive. Because fresh legs equates to better shooting.

The fourth secret to the Celtic’s success, and particular Thomas’, is the free throw line. I recall commenting in the spring of 2016, that Thomas was at the free throw line so much that he should be paying rent at the Verizon Center.

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But then it hit me after Game 4 of these playoffs. Thomas told the media afterwards, that he didn’t see the free throw line, and that he normally sees it 5 – 6 times.

Thomas and the Celtics analyzed, that if Thomas sees the charity stripe X amount of times then Boston wins. It’s a mathematical equation – if we shoot X free throws then we win (Y), and the converse.

Thomas baits his defender. When he knows he’s unable to a get a clean shot at the three-point line, he jumps into his defender. He uses the same modus operandi inside the paint as well. Thankfully, Bradley Beal didn’t fall for it.

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