Free-agent guard Isaiah Thomas remains an impressive shot-maker despite being four years removed from his All-NBA days.
The two-time All-Star scored 81 points in the Crawsover Pro-Am in Seattle on Sunday. His point total, of course, matches the second-highest single-game mark in NBA history set by the late, great Kobe Bryant in 2006.
Last season, Thomas wore Bryant’s No. 24 during his three games with the New Orleans Pelicans, who signed him to a 10-day contract. He averaged a career-low 7.7 points but did score in double figures twice. Thomas shared his feelings on the loss of his idol and friend on Friday.
Miss my guy @kobebryant 🙏🏾💙🏁
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 6, 2021
Prior to Thomas’ performance Sunday, he offered some foreshadowing about what fans could expect if they made it to the show. Fellow Seattle hoops legend Jamal Crawford could only echo the message.
And it will!! Please Get there EARLY to guarantee you get in . Mighty I T is gonna put on a legendary performance ‼️ https://t.co/mov3pNf0or
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 8, 2021
Thomas had 40 points by halftime. In over 553 NBA games, including the playoffs, Thomas has never recorded a 40-point half. In fact, his most recent 40-point game came during the 2017 postseason as a Boston Celtic. It remains one shy of John Havlicek’s team playoff record set in 1973.
IT has 40 POINTS at halftime rn 🤮 @isaiahthomas @thecrawsover pic.twitter.com/kufS1LwdvY
— Overtime (@overtime) August 8, 2021
Fans provided Thomas a standing ovation by the end of his performance. His 81 points encompassed an impressive array of reverse finishes, crossovers and no-look 3-pointers.
For what it’s worth, Crawford tipped off the Pro-Am with a 51-point masterpiece last month. He offered another prediction when tweeting his excitement over Thomas, who says he has plenty to offer an NBA team.
ISAIAH THOMAS JUST DROPPED 81 POINTS 😵 @isaiahthomas @thecrawsover pic.twitter.com/csaVda2RjE
— Overtime (@overtime) August 8, 2021
And it was even better in person!!!!!!!!! What @isaiahthomas did today we will be talking about decades from now 👑🙌🏾💐 https://t.co/RaP4uHXuaN
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 9, 2021
It’s ALL God!!! They said I was DONE 🏁
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 9, 2021
Information from ESPN Stats & Information was used in this report.