Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA: Top Five Stories As The 2016-17 Stretch Run Begins

By Jack Pontin

Feb 15, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) runs onto the floor prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) runs onto the floor prior to the game against the New York Knicks at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 117-108. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives past Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) during the fourth quarter at TD Garden. The Boston Celtics won 117-108. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

King of the 4th Quarter

Perhaps the strangest of all the first half events is Isaiah Thomas’s dominance in the fourth quarter. The two-time All-Star is making a name for himself in the NBA, and has finally received his superstar nickname. However, unlike some of the aliases sported by the league’s players, the 5’9″ point guard has earned his through some incredible performances when his team needs him the most: clutch time.

Isaiah Thomas is averaging 10.7 points per 4th quarter this season, a statistic that leads the NBA. His Celtics are 37-20 heading into the all-star break, good for 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, only 3 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Thomas’s high-scoring final periods, there are some aspects of the King of the 4th Quarter’s fourths that are surprising to many.

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In 2016-17, Thomas has a 113.5 offensive rating and a 109.5 defensive rating. However, in the fourth quarter, each of those numbers spike – one for the positive and the other for the negative. His final period offensive rating is 121.9, which is best explained by his high scoring average and increased true shooting percentage (67.3%–highest in any single quarter).

The offensive spike is the good, but the defensive spike is the bad. Thomas’s defensive rating in the fourth quarter through his first 51 fourths of the season is 121.6.

A defensive rating of 121.6 is horrible, and there is no sugarcoating it. Although the high rating has a negative impact of Thomas’s fourth quarter efficiency, the mediocre statistic isn’t as bad as it may seem. Defensive ratings skyrocket in the fourth quarter of games. Players are not expected to keep up the same defensive play in the fourth quarter as they are in the first quarter, when no energy has been expended.

Thomas, who is not a particularly solid defender to begin with, could be feeling the effects of an NBA grind at the end of ballgames, especially after posting the offensive numbers that he has been in the final stages of games.

The King of the Fourth Quarter’s clutch time offensive game has been unmatched by any player in the league. However, he is struggling on defense at the end of games. If the Celtics keep winning and Thomas keeps dominating when it matters, is anybody going to care about his defensive inefficiencies?

Most likely not for the time being. For now, it is more important for Boston to continue their trek to the postseason, and the current-day Isaiah Thomas’s fourth quarter explosions will be a significant part in that journey.

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