By the NBA’s admission, the Boston Celtics should have had an extra second at the end of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.The league’s last two minute report on the game revealed that the Celtics were deprived an extra second at the end of their 92-91 defeat to the Washington Wizards on Friday.
According to Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas, that all-black attire was totally a coincidence.
Thomas and his teammates showed up to Friday’s potential elimination Game 6 against the Washington Wizards dressed in all black, but if you ask Thomas, it wasn’t coordinated.
“I wear black all the time,” Thomas said when asked about the attire, via CSN New England. “I’m the first one in this gym, too, so I didn’t see nobody else wearing black.”
NBA playoffs 2017: Celtics earn rapid playoff payoff in reaching Eastern Conference finals
The payoff starts now, in the wake of a grueling second-round series. The Celtics are in the conference finals, one of the NBA’s last four standing. With that, the franchise has completed an overhaul that is still in its early stages.NBA teams can take a decade or more to find the right mix to pull off a rebuild. The Celtics didn’t rebuild as much as they opted for a quick flip, a task they completed with a pull-away, 115-105 win over the Wizards in Game 7 of the East semifinals on Monday night at home.
When asked if the look was a coincidence, Thomas responded, “I guess so. Call it what you want.”
It’s pretty hard to believe, but even if you do, John Wall took it as a motivator. It’s safe to say that the outfits didn’t have the effect the Celtics would have wanted.
Related slideshow: 2017 NBA Playoffs (Provided by photo services)
Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) battles Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) for a loose ball during the first quarter. The Washington Wizards host the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on May 12.
John Wall (2) of the Washington Wizards reacts after hitting the game-winning three-point basket in their 92-91 win over the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at Verizon Center on May 12, in Washington, DC.
Isaiah Thomas’s Historic Season Deserved A Better Ending
It's tempting to wonder if Isaiah Thomas will miss the rest of the playoffs because of the beat down the Cavs have put on the Celtics through two games of the East finals. That would be short sighted, of course. Thomas, the same player who flew to his sister’s funeral in between playoff games, the same player who dropped 53 points on what should have been his late sister‘s 23rd birthday, has proven he won’t succumb to any challenge. So it is extra disappointing to know Thomas’s historic season will end with a hip injury as opposed to a fight. Thomas has always been a fighter.
John Wall (2) of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 12, at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
Al Horford (42) of the Boston Celtics goes after a loose ball against Otto Porter Jr. (22) of the Washington Wizards during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 12, at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
Clint Capela (#15) of the Houston Rockets drives between Pau Gasol (#16) and Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs during Game Six of their Western Conference semifinal series at Toyota Center on May 11, in Houston, Texas.
LeBron James Rips Reporter Following Loss to Celtics
Sunday night proved to be a difficult night for the Cavaliers. Matter of fact, a heartbreaking one. Cleveland lost on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Avery Bradley, cutting their series lead to 2-1. After the game, LeBron James met with members of the media and he wasn't too happy, understandably. However, James decided to throw a little shade to a reporter and you could feel the tension from any corner of the country. LeBron James snipes at a reporter after Game 3 loss: "You only ask questions when we lose... You always come around when we lose, I swear." pic.twitter.
LaMarcus Aldridge (#12) of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Clint Capela of the Houston Rockets during Game 6 of their Western Conference semifinal series on May 11 in Houston, Texas.
Danny Green (#14) of the San Antonio Spurs goes for a layup over James Harden (#13) of the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 11, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Trevor Ariza (#1) of the Houston Rockets and Danny Green (#14) of the San Antonio Spurs get tangled up during Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals at Toyota Center on May 11, in Houston, Texas.
Steph Curry thinks play from Spurs' Dedmon was ‘dirty’
Steph Curry is another person who thinks the screen Dewayne Dedmon set on him during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday was dirty. Late in Golden State’s 120-108 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, Dedmon came up from behind to set a screen on Curry. He appeared to flex his leg even farther than necessary to try clipping Curry on the play, as seen here. The play seemed dirty to even Curry.“I know he’s not a dirty player. I’m not going to try to mess up his reputation, but I feel like that was a dirty play,” Curry told ESPN’s Chris Haynes on Sunday. “Luckily no one was hurt.
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (#13) and San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green chase a loose ball during the second half in Game 6 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, on May 11, in Houston. San Antonio won 114-75.
Should Boston Prepare for a Future Without Isaiah Thomas?
One of the bigger storylines pervading the sports world this week revolves around a simple question: are the Boston Celtics better without their 5-foot-9 star point guard Isaiah Thomas? The whole debate arose after Boston’s surprising victory over Cleveland in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Until that narrow victory, the Celtics had suffered slaughtering defeats at the hands of LeBron James, even with Thomas, arguably their best player this postseason, on the floor.
Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs and guard Danny Green celebrate their victory after the game against the Houston Rockets during Game Six of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 11, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Celtics guard Avery Bradley drives to the basket against the Wizards during the second half of Game 5 of a second-round series on May 10 in Boston. Bradley scored 29 points as the Celtics won 123-101 to take a 3-2 series lead.
The Cavs' Dominant Conference Championship Finally Sets Finals Rematch Vs Warriors
The Eastern Conference finals met their formal end on Thursday night, but in truth they had been in LeBron James’ back pocket for weeks. LeBron has had the power to end any game in this series at his urging. One time he let it slip. Another was put into jeopardy by his foul trouble before Kyrie Irving stabilized the Cavs and James put them over the top. Whether Isaiah Thomas-the third-highest scorer in the league this season-played or not in this series proved inconsequential. Cleveland exercised its complete control, reminding Boston at every turn just how little say it had in the matter.
San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili, left, blocks Houston Rockets' James Harden three-point shot attempt in the final seconds of overtime of Game 5 in a second-round series, May 9 in San Antonio. San Antonio won 110-107 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Isaiah Thomas says he's okay if Celtics pay 'the best possible player' before him
Thomas is Boston's best player, but he knows the C's need another star to compete for a title.Video by CBS Sports
San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green, right, dribbles the ball as Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden defends during the first half in Game 5 of a second-round series on May 9 at AT&T Center in San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge, center, goes up for a shot between Houston Rockets defenders Trevor Ariza, left,, Patrick Beverley and James Harden, right, during the first half in Game 5 a second-round series, May 9 in San Antonio.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, drives as Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack defends in the first half during Game 4 of a second-round series on May 8 in Salt Lake City. The Warriors won 121-95 to win the series 4-0.
Derrick Favors, left, of the Utah Jazz tries for the basket past the defense of Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 8 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.
Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant, center, lays the ball up as Utah Jazz's Gordon Hayward, left, and Dante Exum defend in the first half during Game 4 a second-round series on May 8 in Salt Lake City.
Bradley Beal (3) of the Washington Wizards celebrates after a basket in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC on May 7.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, bottom, gets his shot off despite the tight defense of Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker, center, at Air Canada Centre on May 7. Cleveland won 109-102 to sweep the series in four games.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) drives between Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and forward Jae Crowder during the fourth quarter on May 7.
Stephen Curry of the Warriors walks along the sideline in the second half of Golden State's 102-91 win over the Jazz in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal on May 6 in Salt Lake City.
Patty Mills (8) of the San Antonio Spurs drives against Trevor Ariza (1) and Eric Gordon (10) of the Houston Rockets during Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals at Toyota Center on May 5, in Houston, Texas.
Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks to pass but finds Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith (5) in his space. Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers in 1st half action of NBA 2nd round playoff action at Air Canada Centre.
Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) (left), Toronto Raptors forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and Toronto Raptors forward PJ Tucker (2) on the bench near the end of game. Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers in 2nd half action of NBA 2nd round playoff action at Air Canada Centre. Raptors lose 115-94 and go down 0-3 on May 5.
Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) looses the ball to San Antonio Spurs center Pau Gasol (16) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 5.
Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 5.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Deron Williams (31) and forward LeBron James (23) defend against Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) during game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 5.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert (4) protects the ball against Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) during the first half of game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 5.
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) has nowhere to go against the triple-team defense of Washington Wizards during Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on May 4 in Washington, D.C.
Bradley Beal (3) of the Washington Wizards goes for a layup during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics on May 4 in Washington, D.C.
John Wall (2) of the Washington Wizards shoots a layup during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 4, at Verizon Center in Washington, DC.
Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) is fouled from behind by Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) on this drive during the first quarter. The Washington Wizards host the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on May 4.
Tempers reach a boiling point as Washington Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (12) charges and knocks down Boston Celtics center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the second quarter. The Washington Wizards host the Boston Celtics in Game Three of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. on May 4.
Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors attempts a steal against Derrick Favors (15) of the Utah Jazz during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 4, in Oakland, Calif.
Klay Thompson (11) of the Golden State Warriors drives against Shelvin Mack (8) and Rudy Gobert (27) of the Utah Jazz during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 4, in Oakland, Calif.
Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) holds the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) defend in the second quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. on May 4.
The Golden State Warriors bench reacts to a three-point basket hit by Draymond Green (23) against the Utah Jazz during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semi-Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 4, in Oakland, Calif.
Toronto Raptors' Jonas Valanciunas, left, defends Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James during the first half in Game 2 of a second-round series on May 3 in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 125-103 to take a 2-0 series lead.
Toronto Raptors' Cory Joseph, left, knocks the ball loose from Cleveland Cavaliers' Channing Frye during the first half of Game 2 of a second-round series on May 3 in Cleveland.
Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph, left, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Deron Williams reach for a loose ball in the fourth quarter in Game 2 of a second-round series on May 3 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, right, works for an opportunity to the basket as Houston Rockets' James Harden defends during the first half of Game 2 in a second-round series on May 3 in San Antonio. The Spurs won 121-96 to even the series 1-1.
San Antonio Spurs' Pau Gasol, center, dunks the ball over Houston Rockets' Patrick Beverley, left, as Kawhi Leonard watches during the first half of Game 2 in a second-round series on May 3 in San Antonio.
Kawhi Leonard, right, and LaMarcus Aldridge of the San Antonio Spurs go for a rebound against the Houston Rockets during Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 3 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.
The Rockets' shooting guard James Harden shoots the ball as the Spurs' power forward LaMarcus Aldridge defends on May 1 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Rockets won 126-99.
The San Antonio Spurs bench during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Houston Rockets on May 1 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. The Rockets won 126-99.
Louis Williams of the Houston Rockets goes up for a lay up against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 1 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James dunks against the Toronto Raptors in the second half in Game 1 of a second-round series on May 1 in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 116-105.
Kevin Love, right, of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots over Jonas Valanciunas of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 1 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 116-105.
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry, right, tips the ball away from Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving during the second half in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 1 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce defends during the first half in Game 7 of the Western Conference quarterfinals on April 30 in Los Angeles. The Jazz won 104-91 to win the series 4-3.
Dante Exum, right, of the Utah Jazz steals the ball from Jamal Crawford of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of Game 7 of the Western Conference quarterfinals on April 30 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Boston Celtics' Isaiah Thomas, center, goes up to shoot against Washington Wizards' Otto Porter Jr., left, during the second quarter of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on April 30 in Boston. The Celtics won 123-111.
Boston Celtics' Jae Crowder celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on April, 30 in Boston. The Celtics won 123-111.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall shoots over Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart, left, during the second quarter in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on April 30 at TD Garden in Boston.
DeAndre Jordan of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball over Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz during Game 6 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talks to point guard George Hill during Game 6 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the L.A. Clippers on April 28 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Gordon Hayward (20) of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket past JJ Redick (4) of the Los Angeles Clippers during Game 6 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Isaiah Thomas (in green) of the Boston Celtics reacts after making the assist on a dunk against the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Chicago, Ill.
Bobby Portis (left) of the Chicago Bulls fouls Jae Crowder of the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Chicago, Ill.
Jason Smith (#14) of the Washington Wizards is restrained by teammate Brandon Jennings following an altercation with members of the Atlanta Hawks during their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Atlanta, Ga.
Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder during Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Atlanta, Ga.
Gerald Green of the Boston Celtics goes over the back of Robin Lopez (#8) of the Chicago Bulls during Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Chicago, Ill.
Jae Crowder (left) of the Boston Celtics is fouled by Bobby Portis of the Chicago Bulls during Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on April 28 in Chicago, Ill.
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) attempts a shot against Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) in the first quarter in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 28.
San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball against Memphis Grizzlies guard Wayne Selden Jr. (7) during the second half of Game 6 in an NBA basketball first-round playoff series on April 27, in Memphis, Tenn. The Spurs won 103-96, eliminating the Grizzlies from the playoffs.
LaMarcus Aldridge (12) of the San Antonio Spurs jumps for the rebound against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 27, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
Vince Carter (15) of the Memphis Grizzlies collides with Manu Ginobili (20) of the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 6 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 27, in Memphis, Tenn.
DeMar DeRozan (10) of the Toronto Raptors goes up for a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 27, the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Tony Parker (9) of the San Antonio Spurs shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 27, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn.
DeMar DeRozan (10) of the Toronto Raptors attempts a shot between Tony Snell (21) and Greg Monroe (15) of the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 27, in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket while being guarded by Serge Ibaka (9) of the Toronto Raptors in the first quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 27, in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo runs into Toronto Raptors' DeMarre Carroll during the second half of Game 6 of an NBA first-round playoff series basketball game on April 27, in Milwaukee. The Raptors won 92-89 to win the series.
Wizards guard Bradley Beal, right, battles Hawks forward Kent Bazemore for the ball during the first half in Game 5 of their first-round series on April 26 in Washington. The Wizards won 103-99 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Wizards forward Kelly Oubre Jr.. dunks as Hawks center Dwight Howard looks on in the fourth quarter of Game 5 in their first-round series on April 26 at Verizon Center in Washington.
Celtics guard Avery Bradley lines up a dunk over Bulls forward Jimmy Butler during the fourth quarter of Game 5 in their first-round series on April 26 in Boston. The Celtics won 108-97 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Isaiah Thomas says he's okay if Celtics pay 'the best possible player' before him .
Thomas is Boston's best player, but he knows the C's need another star to compete for a title.Video by CBS Sports