Despite the Celtics' 102-106 loss, Thomas dropped 33 points and had 6 assists, while wearing a pair of Nike Kobe Bryant sneakers customized to pay tribute to Chyna.
Chyna Thomas, 22, was killed in a one-car accident early Saturday morning in their home state of Washington.
Before the game, TNT showed Boston teammate Avery Bradley - a former player at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma - comforting Thomas on the bench during a shoot-around. With tears in his eyes, Thomas did not raise his hand like he typically does when his name is announced, nor did he bound into Boston's huddle to engage in the typical pregame mosh pit. "We just should have gotten that win for him".
He wore green Nike's during the game with the words "R.I.P LiL Sis" and "Chyna" on them to pay tribute to his sister.
Earlier this weekend, Isaiah Thomas' sister fatally died in a vehicle crash, yet Thomas played tonight, and quite frankly had a great game besides the emotional toll it has been taking on him.
"It says a lot".
"Isaiah, to me, he's family", Bradley said. "Being from the same area we just want to see each other do so well. He's a true competitor and tonight he was playing for his sister and he was playing for his family".
Chelsea showing speed wobbles down EPL stretch, with loss to Man Utd
The Blues have been used to dominating games and creating numerous chances in the vast majority of matches this season. It was Chelsea's fifth league loss of the season and first to United in 13 matches, dating back to 2012.
Condolences have poured in from around the league, from National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver and various players and friends.
Thomas, 28, played basketball for Curtis High School and the University of Washington. "I think that's what my team needs for me to do; make or miss, make sure we get a shot up". Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thomas was "struggling", but that the decision was left to Thomas. There's empathy in the locker room, and a coach adept at navigating rough situations. "Incredible person. I couldn't help but be inspired by his play".
His 22-year-old sister, Chyna, passed away in a vehicle accident this weekend. Isaiah Thomas's status of whether he'll play Game 2 is still unknown. He's an All-Star. He didn't need to play, he needed to grieve, and no one would have held it against him.
Thanks to 30 points and nine rebounds from Jimmy Butler and a combined 23 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists from Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, the eighth-seeded Bulls took down the top-seeded Celtics and came away feeling like there was more where that came from.
Boston would get back within four, 95-91, before the Bulls would extend their lead to 101-92 with 1:17 to play following a jumper by Bobby Portis. "This was hard, and I felt like our guys really dealt with it the right way". I know it's tough for him. The Celtics outscored the Bulls by 16 with Thomas on the floor but were badly outscored when he Saturday.
"We have to pick our leadership up - pick the team spirit up a little bit", said Jae Crowder.
"He's a hell of a player", Butler said.
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