Chicago Bulls

Watch an emotional Isaiah Thomas get introduced in Boston before Game 1 vs. Bulls

Published Apr. 16, 2017 7:15 p.m. ET

Brett Pollakoff

The 22-year-old sister of Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas died in a car accident Saturday morning, and Thomas decided to play in Sunday's playoff-opener at home against the Bulls despite dealing with the tragedy.

He was understandably emotional in the moments leading up to tip-off, and received a thunderous ovation as he was introduced to the fans in attendance.

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/853740878992560129

Thomas honored his late sister with a message on his sneakers.

https://twitter.com/TheCrossover/status/853740511030640649

And once the game got going, there was no sign that he was feeling the weight of the circumstances.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/853742760389730308

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/853743892629381120