‘RIP Lil Sis’: Boston Celtics Star Isaiah Thomas Delivers Courageous Performance One Day After His Sister Was Killed in a Tragic Car Accident

Credit: The Associated Press
Credit: The Associated Press
By
Editor

The Boston Celtics may have lost against the Chicago Bulls in the first Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday night, but the basketball community and beyond came together to support Celtics star point guard Isaiah Thomas, who played his heart out just one day after his sister was killed in a tragic car accident.

Thomas struggled with his emotions Saturday night – tearing up before the playoff game began as he looked down at his sneakers, on which he had written “RIP Lil Sis” and “I love you,” The Washington Post reported.

Thomas took the court just 37 hours after his 22-year-old sister, Chyna, was killed in a car crash in Washington State, where she and Thomas grew up, NBA.com reported. Chyna Thomas’ car had veered gradually off a highway before vaulting and barrier and crashing through a signpost.

READ: ‘To God Be the Glory’: Major ‘Miracle’ Update Surrounding Cleveland Cavaliers Star J.R. Smith’s Premature Baby

Thomas learned of his sister’s death after practice on Saturday. The next day, he was expected to play in the first game of the playoffs.

Before tipoff, he led the Celtics onto the floor of TD Garden in Boston. A moment of silence was then held before introductions were made.

Thomas played through his emotions to lead the Celtics with 33 points in 38 minutes. He made 10 out of 18 shots and had six assists and five rebounds.

“He was incredible,” said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. “He’s an amazing, amazing player, amazing person, and days won’t get easier for him. But he somehow plays like that.”

https://twitter.com/DylansFreshTake/status/853747170201227264

Ultimately, the Bulls upset the Celtics with a 106-102 victory. But, the scoreboard read “In Memory of Chyna Thomas.”

“The perspective of it all hits you in a hard way,” Stevens said. “I’m not only proud of the effort but the way they supported him. I couldn’t help but be inspired by his play.”

Like Faithwire on Facebook

Teammate Al Hortford didn’t make any excuses for the loss but gave props to the All-Star point guard for showing up to play, despite the devastating blow to his family

“We’re never going to make excuses,” said Horford. “But this is hard. This was difficult, and I felt like our guys really dealt with it in the right way. Isaiah is the one that I felt like dealt with it best. We knew he was hurting, it’s not easy, and we have a lot of respect for him that he was able to come out. It’s not an easy task, but he didn’t make excuses and we didn’t either. We really tried to come out here and focus on the game.”

The support for Thomas continued through the league. In the Golden State Warriors post-game conference,. Kevin Durant assured Thomas that his NBA family is behind him as Stephen Curry nodded beside him.

“We’re all praying for him,” Durant said.

Lebron James also offered condolences:

(H/T: NBA)

—

Other Must-Read Stories:

—‘God is GREAT’ – Cleveland Cavaliers Star J.R. Smith Holds Daughter Born 5 Months Premature for First Time

—Cleveland Cavaliers’ Star Asks for Prayers for Daughter Born 5 Months Premature

—Justin Bieber’s “Emergency” Baptism in NBA Player’s Bathtub

—You Won’t Believe the INSANE Amount of Shoes Steph Curry is Donating to the Republic of Congo

—Legendary NCAA Basketball Coach’s Post-Game Comments About Selfish Players are Rightfully Going Viral