Former Husky Isaiah Thomas plays with a heavy heart

Published 1:30 am Sunday, April 16, 2017

Associated Press

BOSTON — Isaiah Thomas took the floor to a deafening cheer for the Boston Celtics’ playoff opener against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, a day after his sister was killed in a car accident.

It was part of an emotional night for the All-Star point guard who had 33 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 106-102 Game 1 loss.

The Celtics held a pregame moment of silence for Chyna Thomas, who died early Saturday in a one-car accident in Federal Way. She was 22. Thomas was informed of her death following the team’s practice Saturday afternoon.

It was unclear if he’d play Sunday, and prior to the game TNT’s cameras captured teammate Avery Bradley comforting Thomas on the bench during the pregame shootaround. But Thomas led the team out of the tunnel when Boston took the floor for pregame warmups. On his shoes were written several messages, including “Chyna,” “RIP Lil Sis” and “I love you.”

Thomas did not address the media after the game, but his teammates said emotion tailed him throughout the day.

“Isaiah, to me, is like family,” Bradley said. “We grew up in the same area. I know it’s tough for him. It says a lot about him. He’s a true competitor and tonight he was playing for his sister and he was playing for his family.”

Thomas, in his sixth NBA season, grew up in Tacoma and starred at the University of Washington.

Boston coach Brad Stevens said Thomas was “struggling” prior to the game, and it showed early as Thomas uncharacteristically missed his first free-throw attempt short off the front rim.

But he was able to lock in down the stretch, which did not surprise his coach.

“He was incredible,” Stevens said. “He’s an amazing player, amazing person.”

Stevens said Thomas has the freedom to do “whatever he needs to do” related to his sister and family. Stevens said the decisions on his availability are Thomas’ alone.

“Those’ve got to come on his own time, and then we’ll adjust accordingly,” Stevens said.

Jimmy Butler had 30 points and nine rebounds to lead Chicago.