Canaan did the majority of guarding on Isaiah Thomas and he did a competent job holding Thomas to just seven first-half points. He was closing out on IT hard every chance he got and did a reliable job chasing him around screens.
He even brought a little bit of fire, chirping at Thomas after made baskets in the first half. It’s fun to watch a guy who never really plays not back down at all against one of the best point guards in the league.
Canaan being able to contain Thomas at all is a huge plus for the Bulls as he improves their offense as well. Unlike Michael Carter-Williams and Jerian Grant, Canaan understands his role with the starters. He is comfortable being a guy who is mainly there to stretch the floor and he knows when to take his chances.
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In Game 4, the Bulls made their only run of the game when Canaan subbed in during the second quarter. Hoiberg could have played him more and sooner in that game, though Fred deserves credit for giving Canaan the start tonight. He is the best fit and proved that in Game 5.
While Canaan at point guard didn’t secure the win for the Bulls, it was still the best option Hoiberg had short of not plyaing a point guard at all. Hoiberg will most likely go to him again if Rondo is not available for Game 6.