Point guard Isaiah Thomas scored a team-high 33 points Sunday in Game 1 of the Boston Celtics’ first-round playoff matchup with the Chicago Bulls, one day after the death of his sister in a one-car crash.
Thomas, overcome with emotions multiple times before the start of the game, finished on 10-of-18 shooting with six assists and five rebounds over 38 minutes.
The Bulls emerged with a 106-102 triumph and lead the series 1-0. Game 2 is Tuesday night at TD Garden.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thomas was “struggling” prior to the game, and it showed early, as he uncharacteristically missed his first free throw attempt short off the front rim.
How he was able to lock in down the stretch was no surprise to his coach.
“[Thomas] was incredible,” Stevens told Espn. “He’s an amazing, amazing player. Amazing person. … I couldn’t help but be inspired by his play.”
The Celtics held a pregame moment of silence for Chyna Thomas, who died early Saturday in a one-car interstate accident in their home state of Washington. She was 22. Thomas was informed of her death following the team’s practice Saturday afternoon.
Information from Espn.com contributed to this report.
