WALTHAM, Mass. – Celtics coach Brad Stevens says Isaiah Thomas will play in Game 2 against the Bulls Tuesday night at TD Garden then travel to Tacoma, Washington, to be with his family following the death of Thomas' sister, who was killed in a car crash Saturday.
Thomas, playing just over 24 hours after Chyna J. Thomas’ death, had 33 points in Boston’s 106-102 Game 1 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Stevens said the plan for now is for Thomas to play in Game 3 Friday night in Chicago after returning from Tacoma.
Following the loss, Stevens indicated that the team supports whatever decision Thomas makes.
“Whatever he needs to do, he needs to do, and we’ll help in any way,” Stevens said. “If he needs to and wants to stay here, then we’ll be here surrounding him. And if he wants to go to Seattle, then he should go to Seattle. It’s his call; and should be.”
Thomas, a two-time All-Star, led the Celtics with 28.9 points per game this season which ranked third in the NBA. Dubbed the “King of the Fourth”, Thomas averaged 9.8 points per game in the fourth quarter, which ranked second in the NBA this season.