It was part of an emotional night for the All-Star point guard who had 33 points, six assists and five rebounds in a 102-106 Game One loss to the Bulls.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Thomas will fly to his home state of Washington after the game to help complete funeral arrangements for his sister, Chyna Thomas, who was killed in a vehicle crash Saturday outside Tacoma, Wash.
There weren't many dry eyes in TD Garden during a pre-game moment of silence for Thomas' sister.
Chicago prevailed on an emotional night in Boston, as Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas played the day after his younger sister, Chyna, was killed in a vehicle crash.
According to Bleacher Report, Thomas will play in both Games 2 and 3, his head coach, Brad Stevens, told reporters.
"Whatever he needs to do, he needs to do, and we'll help in any way", Stevens said, via Chris Mannix of The Vertical. "But we were together for some film, some walk-through, and we'll be back together [Tuesday]. I think he's as good as he can be, I guess".
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To start the third period, the Rangers committed another penalty, this time to Mats Zuccarello for a four-minute minor. That's great for the print media, but they are humans and while they might be able to turn the page, it won't be easy.
If the Celtics can offer the same support to Thomas on the court that they have off the court, this should still be a short series. "If that time comes, when that time comes, when they solidify those plans, obviously we hope to be able to go". "It's probably not always the case". Nobody can guard Thomas for an entire game, so we'll see how the Bulls use Butler.
"I know what we're capable of", Jimmy Butler said. "It's a difficult time, but we're here for him and we're going to go out and compete and play hard". "The days won't get easier for him, but he somehow plays like that".
Celtics big man Al Horford said it was tough on the whole team.
"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. "I mean, he is clearly devastated, like we all would be if we lost a sibling, but sitting on the sideline right before the game, that makes me uncomfortable". The Chicago Bulls are shooting 32 percent from beyond the arc and 87 percent from the free throw line.
Forsberg noted Thomas was crying during pregame ceremonies when he was the last Celtic starter introduced and surrounded by teammates.
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