Even though backup Bobby Portis (19 points, 8-for-10 shooting, nine rebounds) outplayed starter Nikola Mirotic (four points, 1-for-9 shooting) in Game 1, Hoiberg said the starting lineup and rotation will stay the same for Game 2. Thomas, a former Washington Huskies standout from Tacoma, was informed of her death after the Celtics' practice Saturday afternoon.
Thomas honored his late sister with messages on his sneakers, including "Chyna", "RIP Lil Sis" and "I love you".
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.
For a while, it was shaping up to be an emotional triumph for the grieving Thomas, who drew a foul by Rondo on a 3-pointer and made all three foul shots to put Boston up 88-87 with 5:33 left to play.
The emotional toll was heavy on Thomas but it appeared to have a draining effect on teammates, who felt as though they let him down.
Bradley, for his part, told Mass Live that, "Me and Isaiah have known each other since we were kids". "We grew up in the same area".
"I'm not feeling comfortable with him sitting on the sideline crying like that", Barkley said on Inside the National Basketball Association ahead of the game.
Danny Lee off to strong start at RBC Heritage tournament
Former Boise State golfer Graham DeLaet is chasing his first career PGA Tour victory at the RBC Heritage Tournament this week. Belfast's Michael Hoey shot a 73 to add to his first round 76, leaving him on three over par but he missed the cut .
"It says a lot". I know tonight he was playing for his sister.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thomas plans to play in Game 2 on Tuesday, then head to Washington state to be with his family and help complete funeral arrangements for his sister, Chyna, who died in a one-car accident Saturday outside Tacoma. "The days won't get easier for him, but he somehow plays like that". Stevens said the decisions on his availability are Thomas' alone.
Before the game, Stevens said, "He's struggling". Our thoughts, first and foremost are with them.
Butler scored 23 points in the second half and finished with nine rebounds as the Bulls dominated the boards, ending up with a 53-36 advantage.
Here are five takeaways from the Celtics' Game 1 loss to the Bulls in Boston. "I'm happy with the way he played tonight, and we just need to continue to fight for him". "We just should have gotten that win for him". But we executed extremely well. It's whatever's right for him, and that's what we've encouraged him.
Warriors 121, Trail Blazers 109: In Oakland, Calif., Kevin Durant had 32 points and 10 rebounds in his Golden State playoff debut, Stephen Curry scored 29 points and the Warriors withstood a sensational day by Portland duo CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard in Game 1 of the first-round series.
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