Thomas: 'Overwhelmed' by support during 'hardest week of my life'
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas has been playing through unimaginable pain in the wake of his sister's death.
Chyna Thomas was killed in a one-car accident Saturday morning, and Thomas, with the support of his teammates, his peers, and the Celtics' fans, took the court on Sunday and Tuesday night for Games 1 and 2 of his team's first-round series against the Chicago Bulls.
He did not speak to the media after either game, but he put out a statement Tuesday to express both his profound sorrow and his gratitude for those who have supported him as he tries to process the loss.
"I never could have imagined a day where my little sister, Chyna, wouldn't be here," the statement reads. "She and my family are everything to me, so the pain I am feeling right now is impossible to put into words. This has been without question the hardest week of my life.
"At the same time, I have been overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received and couldn't be more thankful for my friends, family, fans, the City of Boston, Celtics organization, and NBA community. I truly appreciate all of the support you've shown me the past several days and thank you for respecting my privacy as I continue to grieve and heal with my loved ones at this time."
Thomas plans to return to Tacoma, Wash., to be with family and attend Chyna's funeral, before rejoining the Celtics in Chicago for Game 3 on Friday.