Watch CBS News

Celtics Hold Moment Of Silence For Isaiah Thomas' Sister Prior To Game 1

BOSTON (CBS) – Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas got the start Sunday in the team's playoff opener a day after his sister was killed in a car crash in Washington state.

Chyna Thomas died Saturday morning when her car veered off the highway near Tacoma and crashed into a jersey barrier.

The Celtics play the Chicago Bulls on Sunday in the first round of the playoffs.

Thomas led the Celtics onto the court for pregame warmups, and was greeted by a loud ovation from the TD Garden crowd.

Head coach Brad Stevens told reporters before the game that Thomas is "struggling."

"When you see tough things that happen to people, this community rallies around them," Stevens told reporters. "You can already feel that."

Just prior to the National Anthem, a moment of silence was held for Chyna Thomas.

Isaiah Thomas Shoes
Isaiah Thomas ties his shoes, with messages dedicated to his late sister Chyna Thomas who was killed in a car accident April 15, 2017, during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Bulls. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) Restrictions

On his shoes, Thomas has "RIP Lil Sis" written in black ink.

Before the game, network television cameras captured Thomas sitting alone on the bench, wiping tears from his eyes.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.