Despite his diminutive 5’9” frame, Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas is one of the most dominant offensive players in the NBA.Averaging 28.9 points per game in the regular season for the No. 1 seed Celtics, the 28-year-old is the unquestioned leader both on and off the court for Boston.After going 11-for-23 shooting (5-for-11 from three) and 6-of-7 from the free throw line for 33 points in Game 1, IT treated the home crowd to an historic individual performance in Game 2.In Boston's thrilling 129-119 overtime victory, Thomas posted a career-high 53 points on 18-of-33 shooting (5-for-12 from beyond the arc) and went 12-for-13 from the charity stripe. He also added four rebounds, four assists and three steals over 45 dominant minutes.In typical fashion, Thomas got the job done in crunch time. In fact, he scored 29 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

He came just one point short of outscoring the entire Wizards team in that stretch.

If you’re not sold that Thomas is quickly becoming a Celtics legend, consider the following fact.

Anytime a Boston player’s name comes up alongside “The Truth”, it’s usually for an impressive reason.

In the grand scheme of things, Thomas’ epic performance came just one point short of tying the team record for the most in a single playoff game.

It was also the most points scored in a playoff game since Allen Iverson dropped 55 in a dominant outing 14 years ago.

All night long, it seemed as though Thomas was playing with extra energy and emotion.

It was his late sister’s birthday. That adds another layer to his dramatic and powerful showing of leadership.

Considering the fact that he was the last player taken in the 2011 NBA Draft and he was traded twice before landing in Boston, Thomas’ career path has been nothing short of incredible and he will undoubtedly land a max contract when his current deal is done.

The Wizards simply had no answer for Thomas’ multi-dimensional scoring talent. While John Wall had 40 points and 13 assists en route to a dominant showing in his own right, the Wizards will have to make limiting the opposing point guard a priority heading into Game 3.

If they don’t, they will probably be looking at a 3-0 deficit.

Meanwhile, Thomas is solidifying his position as one of the most popular players to root for in the NBA, given his underdog status, supreme talent and the adversity that he has recently overcome.