Isaiah Thomas has been going through a tough time in his personal life. He lost his sister Chyna Thomas tragically in a car accident before the NBA Playoffs and has continued playing with intensity and drive. He’s willed the team to victory on multiple occasions and he did it again today, without a tooth.
Up until now, he’s remained quiet as he’s grieved but Doris Burke caught up with him after the Boston Celtics beat the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of their second round matchup.
During the interview, Thomas talked about how the Celts pulled off the W, including why it was so crucial for the entire team to contribute in every aspect to make a comeback in the second half.
He also said that his sister is who he plays for and basketball is the only thing keeping him going.
The Wiz lost momentum the moment Markief Morris went down with an ankle injury, after the forward fell on Al Horfords foot akwardly. He didn’t return and Boston took advantage.
The Celtics went to a small lineup and kicked it up a notch.
Thomas finished the game with 33 points and 9 assists, and the rest of the troops didn’t do too shabby either. Jae Crowder dropped 24 points on them. Al Horford ended the game with 21 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds (one shy of a triple double), and Avery Bradley had 18 points. Only Gerald Green went scoreless on the night, only playing 7 minutes. But Kelly Olynyk had 12 off the bench.
Bradley Beal and John Wall had 27 points and 20 points respectively, but the loss of Morris greatly affected the team in the second half.
FINAL: BOS 123 | WAS 111