Isaiah Thomas may just be the most underrated player in the NBA.
The diminutive point guard isn't on commercials, and he isn't talked about by pundits and analysts on a daily basis (although SN just did a deep dive into his signature move), but he is feared by his NBA peers.
Thomas scored a game-high 38 points while knocking down six 3-pointers in the Celtics' 117-108 win over the Pelicans on Saturday. After playing in his first All-Star Game last year, Thomas is proving last season wasn't a fluke. He is one of the game's best players.
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On the other side, Anthony Davis, unwilling to be brought down by the losing ways of his team, again put up striking numbers for the Pelicans. The power forward finished with 36 points and 15 rebounds. It is the eighth time this season he has scored at least 35 points while also hauling in 15 rebounds. The rest of the NBA has six such games combined.
GAME CENTER: Complete Pelicans-Celtics stats
Boston has won 10 of its last 12 games, proving it likely will be the Cavaliers' most dangerous threat in the Eastern Conference once the postseason rolls around.
Stud of the Night
Russell Westbrook recorded his 17th triple-double of the season in the Thunder's 121-106 win over the Nuggets. The point guard finished with 32 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists. This was Westbrook's third straight triple-double against Denver.
Dud of the Night
The Mavericks' backcourt duo of Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams failed to impress during Dallas' 97-82 loss to the Hawks. Both guards shot just 3 of 12 from the field. Matthews finished with nine points, and Williams mustered just seven points. The Mavericks need to get younger (and just plain better).
Highlight
Jimmy Butler back-cuts for a nifty alley-oop:
Jimmy! #nbavine https://t.co/wq0xu1uJJE
— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2017
Butler finished the Bulls' 123-118 overtime win over the Raptors with 42 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. This came just five days after he dropped 52 points on the Hornets.
What's next
Rockets (29-9) at Raptors (24-12) 6 p.m. ET — Two playoff-contending teams face off in an enticing matchup. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan lead Toronto, while James Harden has been something of a one-man wrecking crew under Mike D'Antoni. The supporting casts may decide this showdown, however; Houston needs Ryan Anderson to hit shots from beyond the arc, and the Raptors need Jonas Valanciunas to dominate the paint.