UPDATE:
Isaiah Thomas was in the Celtics' starting lineup Sunday during Game 1
Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics took care of business Friday night in Chicago, dispatching the Bulls by 22 points in Game 6 for 4-2 series win and a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they will face the Washington Wizards.
But for Thomas, whose sister died tragically two weeks ago, there wasn't much time for celebration, as he left the floor a few minutes early and headed straight for Washington state after the game, where he was attending his sister's funeral Saturday. With Game 1 vs. the Wizards set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, he'll have a quick turnaround to make it back for the game, which he intends to do.
The Celtics, and Brad Stevens, have no expectations, however, and will be perfectly fine with him deciding not to play if he's not up to it. Via ESPN Boston:
"[Saturday's funeral] is a lot more important than [Game 1 on] Sunday," Stevens said. "If it's difficult, it's difficult, but it's just a basketball game. He'll be ready to play. And if he decides when he gets there that it's too much, that's OK. That's fine. This is a lot more important."
The Celtics have been supportive of Thomas, including team president Danny Ainge flying with Thomas for the funeral.
