Since his younger sister Chyna’s tragic death in a car accident on I-5 in Washington state, Celtics star Isaiah Thomas has battled through the intense emotions to play in Boston’s first two games against the Chicago Bulls in their first round playoff matchup.
On Wednesday, Thomas returned home to Tacoma, Washington to be with his family for the first time since Chyna’s passing.
He also released his first public statement since her death, thanking the fans and rest of the NBA community for the support he’s received over the past week.
“I never could have imagined a day where my little sister, Chyna, wouldn’t be here. She and my family are everything to me, so the pain I am feeling right now is impossible to put into words. This has been without question the hardest week of my life. At the same time, I have been overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received and couldn’t be more thankful for my friends, family, fans, the City of Boston, Celtics organization and NBA community. I truly appreciate all of the support you’ve shown me the past several days and thank you for respecting my privacy as I continue to grieve and heal with my loved ones at this time.”
While the Celtics have failed to get a win in either of the first two games of the series, Thomas’ play has been nothing short of inspirational, as he’s combined for 53 points in the first two games in the face of such a tremendous personal tragedy. Boston does not play again until Friday in Chicago, at which point Thomas is expected to rejoin the team as they look to get back into the series in Game 3.
