It’s been just over a week since Isaiah Thomas‘ sister, Chyna, died tragically in a car accident in Washington state. Since then, the Celtics’ All-Star point guard has not only suited up for every single first-round game against the Bulls; he’s been spectacular. It’s difficult to imagine what he’s going through and even more difficult to comprehend how he’s been able to perform at such a high level.
He’s averaged 25 points and six assists through the first four games as Boston has evened up the series after going down 0-2 at home. After their Game 4 win on Sunday, Thomas spoke publicly for the first time since his sister’s death, and although he didn’t address his family’s tragedy directly, he did offer up some insight about how he’s been able to power through this past week.
"Mentally and emotionally I'm not here. I just feed off what the guys give me… being here is what makes me sane." – @Isaiah_Thomas pic.twitter.com/SP1AV0kB2r
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 24, 2017
Everybody grieves in their own way, and it makes sense that Thomas would turn to basketball for solace in a time of crisis. He’s fortunate to have such great teammates to support him through this process.
With Rajon Rondo out for the remainder of the first-round, he and the Celtics have an opportunity to put the Bulls on the ropes when the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5 on Wednesday.
