Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas joined some elite company Friday when he poured in a career-high 52 points in Boston's thrilling 117-114 victory over the Heat.
Thomas, who played in his first All-Star Game last season, became just the fifth player in Celtics franchise history to score 50 points in a game, joining Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, Kevin McHale and Sam Jones.
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It was an all-around spectacular performance from Thomas, but he saved his best for last, scoring a franchise-best 29 points in the fourth quarter. He needed just 26 shots to reach 52 points, and he drained nine 3-pointers.
Thomas also set a record for points scored in a game at Boston's TD Garden.
"It’s remarkable," Brad Stevens says of Isaiah Thomas' 52-point night. "I don’t know what else to say."
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 31, 2016
The Celtics (20-14) were without shooting guard Avery Bradley, so Thomas took up his scoring slack. Al Horford added 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting with six rebounds and four assists.
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James Johnson led the Heat with 22 points off the bench. Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson added 19 points apiece. Miami had to play without Goran Dragic, who sat out with back pain.
With Thomas in charge, Boston is becoming the team expected to give Cleveland a run for its money in the Eastern Conference.
Studs of the Night
James Harden became the first Rockets player with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals in a single game since steals became an official statistic in 1973-74. Harden had 30 points, 13 rebounds 10 assists and five steals in Houston's dominant 140-116 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
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Andrew Wiggins lit up the Bucks for 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting in the Timberwolves' 116-99 win. He also added six assists, five rebounds and a posterizing dunk on Miles Plumlee.
Anthony Davis continued his dominant ways on both ends of the floor with 23 points and 18 rebounds in the Pelicans' 104-92 win over the Knicks. New Orleans has quietly won five of its last six games.
Dud of the Night
Bulls point guard Rajon Rondo failed to score a point while dishing out just one assist in 11 minutes in Chicago's 111-101 loss to the Pacers. Rondo watched the second half from the bench, with Michael Carter-Williams taking over. Rondo has been a colossal bust for Chicago this season.
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Highlight
Marcin Gortat puts down an angry slam:
FROM POLAND 🇵🇱 WITH LOVE! 🔨 #NBAVine https://t.co/2YPrEByP17
— NBA (@NBA) December 31, 2016
Gortat finished his team's 118-95 win over the Nets with 19 points and 13 rebounds. John Wall added 19 points and 14 assists.
What's next
Cavaliers (24-7) at Hornets (19-14) 7 p.m. ET — Cleveland's "Big Three" are playing on another level. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving have finally meshed and LeBron James continues to do a bit of everything. Charlotte's intriguing nucleus could give the Cavs trouble.