Without Shock Doctor, my tooth would probably have been on the ground like it was in Game 1. I now understand the importance of wearing a mouthguard,” Thomas said during a post-game press conference Tuesday night.
Writer: Carly Terwilliger
After Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas lost a tooth during Game 1 of the NBA playoffs, he praised Shock Doctor, the league’s official mouthguard, for protecting him during Game 2.
Despite the injury, which required extensive dental surgery, Thomas pushed through the pain to score a career-high 53 points in Game 2, during which he wore a custom mouthguard.
“That was my first time wearing a mouthguard, and it’s a good thing too because I hit my teeth pretty hard again. Without Shock Doctor, my tooth would probably have been on the ground like it was in Game 1. I now understand the importance of wearing a mouthguard,” Thomas said during a post-game press conference Tuesday night.
Thomas’ initial injury, while incredibly painful, is unfortunately not uncommon – nearly one-third of all basketball injuries to high school athletes are to the head and face. And while mouthguards are a critical piece of facial protective equipment, they are not required in basketball.
“Our partnership with the NBA allows us to continue our mission to ensure athletes have the best protective equipment to stay safe on the court,” said Tony Armand, CEO of United Sports Brands, the parent company of Shock Doctor. “Thomas has been playing remarkable basketball and we’re glad wearing a mouthguard is now part of his essential gear.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ootU4_jrFo
Photo courtesy Shock Doctor, video courtesy NBALife
