Watch: Isaiah Thomas Calls Out Referees, Teammates After Celtics’ Game 4 Loss To Wizards

Isaiah Thomas did not blame himself for the Boston Celtics‘ 121-102 loss to the Wizards in Washington on Sunday, nor did he say anyone else was at fault, but said the officials and his teammates did not help by being passive.

Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas Criticizes Refs, teammates After Game 4 Loss to Wizards

The All-Star guard, who scored 19 points on 7-of14-shooting in 31 minutes of play, was held to just two points in the second half on Sunday, and said the referees’ lack of calls allowed the Wizards to “hold and grab” him and eventually cost the Celtics the game. Thomas was particularly frustrated at the fact that he wasn’t able to shoot a single free throw, and said the officials were part of the reason why. The point guard said the referees were partially to blame for Washington’s 26-0 burst in the third quarter.

“[The Wizards] were very physical. The refs were allowing them to hold and grab and do all those things,” said Thomas. “I think, especially in that third quarter, I might have hit the ground five or six straight times, and I’m not the one that likes hitting the ground. So I think it got to be called differently.

“I’m not saying that’s the reason we lost. They went on a 26-0 run, and we can’t have that on the road. But I can’t be allowed to be held and grabbed every pin-down, every screen. And I don’t shoot one free throw. I play the same way each and every night. So I think that has to change.”

Here are Thomas’s full comments in the press conference after Game 4 at Verizon Center:

The 28-year-old guard admitted he should have played more aggressively on Sunday as he has in other NBA playoff games, like in Game 2 when his 53 points helped lead Boston to a home victory over Washington. However, Thomas added he was still incensed at the fact that the referees were not calling blatant fouls.

“No matter what, I’ve gotta play the same way,” Thomas said. “So whether I’m getting the calls or not, I’ve gotta be in attack mode, I’ve gotta be aggressive to get in the paint, to make things happen, not just for myself but for my teammates. But I have to put it on the refs to call it. So I’m going to keep attacking and keep being myself no matter if they’re calling it or not. But it does get a little frustrating when you continue to play the same way and there’s nothing being called.”

Thomas, whose younger sister died the eve of the playoffs, also said he was disappointed in his teammates’ lack of confidence and their “shook” demeanor after the loss. The All-Star, who averaged 28.9 points per game last season and is averaging 29.5 points per contest this series, said it was crucial for the Celtics to not become so easily discouraged after missing shots in order to beat the Wizards in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a series that is now tied 2-2.

“We’ve gotta be confident,” Thomas said. “For whatever reason today, there were guys with their heads down after missing shots. We’re getting the right shots. If you miss then just continue to shoot. We have to remain confident.”

The point guard continued: “You’ve gotta step into it and shoot it like you just made three in a row. This is not the time to be shook,” he said. “This is not the time to shy away from the opportunity. This is the time to take advantage of it. If you’re open, we expect you to make it and shoot it with confidence.”

Game 5 is Wednesday night (8 pm EST) in Boston.

San Antonio Spurs and Houston are also tied 2-2 in the Western Conference Semifinals after the Rockets defeated the Spurs 125-104 at Toyota Center on Sunday. Game 5 is Tuesday night at AT&T Center.

Cleveland remains undefeated in this year’s playoffs, as the Cavaliers beat the Raptors 109-102 in Toronto Sunday to sweep their series 4-0.

The Golden State Warriors, who lead their series against Utah 3-0, will visit the Jazz on Monday night (9 pm EST) for Game 4.

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 07: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a call in the second half against the Washington Wizards in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Verizon Center on May 7, 2017 in Washington, DC.

Article by Pablo Mena