All sorts of emotions can unravel when your team gives up 148 points in a blowout loss. That was the case for Isaiah Thomas and the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday afternoon when the Oklahoma City Thunder pounded them by 24 points at home.
After the game, Thomas, who had a season-high 24 points on 57 percent shooting, boldly boasted about his former team while pointing out flaws in his current squad:
Isaiah Thomas: "In Boston we were a much better defensive team. We tried harder. I don't think we trust each other right now."
— Greg Swartz (@GregSwartzBR) January 20, 2018
The guard’s comments certainly don’t come across as false as the Boston Celtics have been one of the best defensive teams in the league since Brad Stevens took over as head coach in 2013. However, the heavy jab at his current teammates don’t exactly make the situation better.
In fact, it might cause the team chemistry to get more complicated. After the Cavs got throttled by the Golden State Warriors earlier this week, reports indicated Thomas’ teammates were complaining about his poor defense in the loss.
Since the beginning of the new year, the Cavs have given up a whopping 118 points per game. The defensive lapses have cost the Cavs six losses in their last eight games. While it’s just January, teams in the East have capitalized on Cleveland’s issues and challenged their home-court slot. In fact, the ninth-placed Detroit Pistons are only four losses back of the Cavs in the standings.
Nonetheless, the Cavs will get a shot back at making things right with a visit to San Antonio on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET.
