ISAIAH THOMAS PLAYED with a heavy heart Sunday, scoring 33 points in a 106-102 NBA playoff loss to the Chicago Bulls just one day after his younger sister was killed in a car crash.
Thomas took to the court on an emotional night at the Boston Garden despite the death of 22-year-old Chyna.
Thomas, whom he honoured by pencilling her name on his green sneakers and adding “RIP Lil Sis.”
There was a moment of silence after the grieving Thomas led his teammates onto the floor and just before the playing of the American national anthem.
“He was incredible. He’s an amazing player and an amazing person,” Boston coach Brad Stevens said. “The days won’t get easier for him, but he somehow plays like that.”
Thomas received a heart-warming standing ovation from the home crowd.
He led the Celtics with 33 points, hitting a layup with seven seconds left to cut Chicago’s lead to 104-102 in the opening game of their first round playoff series.
Chyna Thomas was killed Saturday in a single-car road accident, the Tacoma News Tribune reported.
The Celtics confirmed the death with the release of a statement later in the day.
“We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of Chyna Thomas,” the NBA team said. “The thoughts and prayers of the entire Celtics organization are with Isaiah and his family.”
The Washington State Patrol said Chyna Thomas, 22, died at the scene of the accident at around 5 a.m. in Federal Way, Washington, located between Tacoma and Seattle.
Witnesses told authorities that her car was moving normally before drifting into a barrier then hitting a post head-on.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
