Isaiah Thomas' Sister Dies in Washington State Crash

BOSTON, MA — Isaiah Thomas plans on playing Game 2 of the Celtics playoff series before heading home to be with family following the weekend death of his 22-year-old sister in the Tacoma, WA, area, and his team may go with him. That's according to coach Brad Stevens, who talked to reporters following Monday's practice.

Chyna Thomas' car drifted off the side of a barrier and slammed into a sign pole around 5 a.m. Saturday, Washington State Patrol Trooper Nick King told Patch. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Isaiah Thomas is the leading scorer for the Boston Celtics, who lost a playoff series opener Sunday night at TD Garden against the Chicago Bulls. With his playing status uncertain right up until about an hour before tipoff, Thomas started at point guard and scored a game-high 33 points.

The Celtics play the Bulls in Game 2 Tuesday in Boston. Thomas was praised by his teammates for his performance and commitment. It was clear watching that he was playing with a heavy heart.

Thomas had tears in his eyes during pregame warm-ups and player introductions. The TD Garden crowd roared every time he was shown on the Jumbotron. He had "RIP LIL SIS" written on his shoes, according to an ESPN tweet.

King tells Patch that Chyna Thomas was driving south on I-5 and was approaching Federal Way when the crash happened. Two people called 9-1-1 and rushed to her aid but there was nothing that they could do.

Chyna Thomas had not been wearing a seatbelt. King said that she was presumably headed home to Tacoma where she lived and grew up with her brother. She has been working as a package handler at FedEx.

Thomas was told of his sisters's death during Saturday's team practice, ESPN reported.

"We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of Chyna Thomas.," the Celtics said in a statement release shortly after 8 p.m. "The thoughts and prayers of the entire organization are with Isaiah and his family."

Isaiah Thomas, generously listed at 5 foot 9 inches, has found a home in Boston as one of the most beloved athletes in the city. He made his first two All-Star teams the past two seasons with the Celtics.

Boston's love for Thomas has been reciprocated. The lefthanded scoring dynamo, who thrust himself into the MVP conversation this season, has very vocally embraced the city and fans.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver offered his condolences to Thomas.

"The NBA family mourns the tragic passing of Chyna Thomas and we send our deepest condolences to Isaiah, his family and the Celtics organization during this difficult time."

Members of the NBA community started reaching out via social media.