Isaiah Thomas has received more playing time for the Kings at the point guard position because of his confidence, leadership and performance on the court, Keith Smart said.

"I started to see a lot of games we were close in, there was one reason – and it was him," Smart said. "You see, when he's on the floor, the team is in a positive flow, and you've got to reward guys like that."

"My teammates help me out a lot," Thomas said. " … Being a defensive player, I don't want anybody scoring on me, so I'm going to try to do whatever I can for them not to score on me."