Celtics on CLNS

Isaiah Thomas carried the Boston Celtics to a crucial win over the Memphis Grizzlies behind 44 points on the road.  Is it time to start asking for historical perspective on IT? And where does the trade rank in Celtics history? Larry H. Russell is joined by the Boston Globe's Bob Ryan.

In the game of the year for the Boston Celtics, the Celtics were able to outscore the Memphis Grizzlies by a combined score of 81-64 in the second half, plus overtime, to outlast the Memphis Grizzlies by a final score of 112-109.

In what could have been described as an old-fashioned prize fight – with the offensively gifted Celtics going up against the physically imposing Grizzlies – both sides came prepared.

Isaiah Thomas established a career-high in points (regular season and playoffs) with 44 points, and became just the fifth player since the 1983-84 season (playoffs included) to finish a game with 44 points or more on 16 or less field goal attempts.

Isaiah Thomas propelled the Boston Celtics to their biggest win of the season at the Memphis Grizzlies. Meanwhile, the No. 1 team in the East lost a starter for a significant amount of time, presenting teams like the Celtics and Toronto Raptors an opportunity to pounce.

The Memphis Grizzlies got Mike Conley back, but have lost two straight entering Tuesday night's game against a Boston Celtics team that has won two in a row. The Celtics won't have any further punishment dealt to Isaiah Thomas, who had his Flagrant 2, which earned him an ejection Sunday, downgraded to a 1 by the NBA.

December 20th, 2016: Boston Celtics travel to the Music City to visit Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Memphis Grizzlies got Mike Conley back, but have lost two straight entering Tuesday night's game against a Boston Celtics team that has won two in a row. The Celtics won't have any further punishment dealt to Isaiah Thomas, who had his Flagrant 2, which earned him an ejection Sunday, downgraded to a 1 by the NBA.

December 20th, 2016: Boston Celtics travel to the Music City to visit Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Despite Isaiah Thomas' late ejection, the Boston Celtics improved to 15-12 and grabbed sole possession of third place in the Eastern Conference. The NBA made some changes to its All-Star selection process for the starters. The Brooklyn Nets fell into a tie for fewest wins in the league, while the L.A. Clippers suffered a bigger loss than anyone.

Thomas scores 23 points. Bradley and Horford contribute with 20 and 17 respectively. 

Despite Isaiah Thomas' late ejection, the Boston Celtics improved to 15-12 and grabbed sole possession of third place in the Eastern Conference. The NBA made some changes to its All-Star selection process for the starters. The Brooklyn Nets fell into a tie for fewest wins in the league, while the L.A. Clippers suffered a bigger loss than anyone.