Isaiah Thomas, who lost his sister to a tragic car accident, showed us all that he has the Heart of a Champion
Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and the Chicago Bulls was just a mere basketball game.
Yes, it had some implications. After all, the Celtics, who worked all season long for homecourt advantage, just lost it. On the other hand, the Bulls, who practically backed in the playoffs, now are in position to possibly pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent playoff history.
Still, for many, none of that really matters.
For Celtics fans, it was more than enough to see their 5-foot-9 floor general and team MVP suit up and and be there for the C’s even during this very trying time for him and his family.
Isaiah Thomas, also called IT4, did something that not everyone could do. IT showed up even when he had all the reasons not to. He played his heart out and truly gave it his all. And even if, it wasn’t enough to help his team win, he won something more important: The Respect of Everyone.
This was no longer about basketball. In fact, this was already about life.
Isaiah Thomas lost his sister, Chyna Thomas, to a car accident over the weekend, the day before his team’s Game 1 against the Bulls.
He was visibly crying during shootaround and was comforted by teammate, Avery Bradley. During the game, he tried his best to contain his feelings especially after the Celtics offered a tribute of silence for his sister before the tip-off. Take note, IT could have easily opted not to play and just take a leave of absence.
Still, like the player and person that we’ve known him to be, Isaiah Thomas, the so-called, Mr. Irrelevant of the 2011 NBA draft, faced everything head on. The courage and the heart of a champion that he showed us all could not be measured by winning a playoff basketball game.
What he did was something way, way beyond. IT4 showed us the value of living. Through his actions, he epitomized the true essence of life and how we should embrace it while we still can. And how fitting that he did all of this during Easter Sunday, a day that represents new life.
To Isaiah Thomas,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.