BOSTON – Isaiah Thomas will not travel with the Boston Celtics for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series with the Chicago Bulls.
Instead, he will return to Tacoma, Wash. to be with his family following the death of his 22-year-old sister in a one-car accident on Saturday.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens said that Thomas, who has not spoken publicly since his sister’s death, will re-join the team in time for Friday’s Game 3 matchup.
Stevens said no decision had been made on whether the team would be at the funeral for Chyna J. Thomas, because the funeral arrangements had yet to be finalized.
On Sunday, Thomas scored a game-high 33 points in Boston’s Game 1 loss to the Bulls which was about 24 hours after learning of his sister’s death in a one-car accident in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
Avery Bradley, who grew up in the same Tacoma, Wash. neighborhood as Thomas and has known him since they were pre-teens, has been among those offering support during this time of grieving.
“Me and Isaiah have known each other since we were kids,” Bradley said. “We’re family. No matter what goes on, we’re going to have each other’s back. We’re always going to be there for one another. I think he knows that, and I know the same about him. We’re always going to support each other. Not to say our teammates aren’t going to support us as well, but we’re family; it’s different. I’m going to be there for him no matter what.
Bradley added, “I’m just happy to be a part of his life. He’s a special person, a special player. I know that as this playoff series continues, Isaiah is going to continue to play well and I’m going to continue to support him. He’s going to play for his sister.”
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