Takeaway No. 2: Isaiah Thomas Finding Groove
Isaiah Thomas has had a difficult 2017-18 season. He never had a chance to succeed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, beginning the season on the sidelines. In his 15 games with the Cavaliers, he struggled mightily trying to fit in after missing so much of the season.
As a result, Thomas was traded to the Lakers at the deadline. Thomas had his struggles at the start with the Lakers, but by the end of the road trip, he was finding his groove.
Thomas was a catalyst against the Heat, scoring 29 points, knocking down 11-of-20 from the field and 6-of-11 from deep. He also handed out six assists with four rebounds. Against the Spurs, he didn’t shoot the ball as well, making 6-of-16 from the field and 1-of-5 from deep. However, he helped complete the comeback, as he was a perfect 8-for-8 from the foul line.
Thomas has been a good shooter throughout his career. Shooting is something the Lakers have lacked all season, and Thomas is helping to improve that. The free throw shooting is something that the Lakers especially needed, as they now have a go-to person at the end of games to help ice them away.
Thomas looks to be adjusting and fitting into his role with the Lakers. His agent, who created a problem before Thomas even got to Los Angeles about his role, looks like a fool now as Thomas is beginning to play well off the bench as the sixth man.