Isaiah Thomas scores career-high 44 points on just 16 shots

The Memphis Grizzlies had no answer for Isaiah Thomas on Tuesday.

The 5-foot-9 point guard put together a masterful offensive performance, erupting for a career-high 44 points on just 16 field-goal attempts in the Boston Celtics' 112-109 overtime victory.

"I’m a killer; I’m a killer," Thomas told A. Sherrod Blakely of CSN New England following the contest. "My team needed me to score."

While his defensive play leaves a lot to be desired, Thomas' contributions on the other end of the floor has a played a large part in his team's ninth-rated offense this season. The 27-year-old leads the team in a number of statistical categories, including points and assists per game and usage rate.

Thomas has been on fire following a four-game absence earlier this month, leading the Celtics to three consecutive victories to push them to third in a crowded Eastern Conference.