Allen Iverson's advice fueled Isaiah Thomas' Game 3 performance
A text from Allen Iverson motivated Isaiah Thomas in Game 3.
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1 min read
Scoring a career-high 42 points, Isaiah Thomas was simply sensational in the Boston Celtics' Game 3 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. While the prospect of going down 0-3 definitely motivated Thomas, he was also inspired by some pregame wisdom from another explosive yet diminutive scorer -- Allen Iverson.
Like many NBA players, Thomas is a big fan of Iverson, having watched the future Hall of Famer growing up. Especially since -- like Iverson -- Thomas is one of the shortest players in the league yet that hasn't stopped him from being one of the better scorers in the NBA.
Thomas first met Iverson during All-Star weekend and the two have stayed in touch. Iverson even helped motivate Thomas before Game 3.
"Allen Iverson just said, 'Keep fighting.'" Thomas said. "[The Hawks] did what they were supposed to do in Atlanta, now it's time for you guys to take advantage of being at home."
Thomas did keep fighting, almost literal at times as he may be facing a suspension or large fine after taking a swing at Hawks guard Dennis Schroeder. However, Thomas' Iverson-inspired fight is the reason the Celtics are now a facing a 2-1 deficit instead of a massive 3-0 hole.
