WATCH: Emotional Isaiah Thomas drills deep triple early in Game 1 vs. Bulls

Thomas decided to play following the death of his sister on Saturday

By Jack Maloney

Apr 16, 2017 at 7:59 pm ET • 1 min read

Isaiah Thomas decided to play in Game 1 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Bulls despite the death of his sister Saturday morning. Before the game, Thomas was quite emotional as he tried to get ready to play.

Avery Bradley consoled his backcourt mate as Thomas sat on the sideline before the game.

🙏🙏🙏🏀 An emotional Isaiah Thomas gets comforted by Avery Bradley after the passing of his sister #Celtics pic.twitter.com/s2XZbQucp4
— The Fanatics View (@thefanaticsview) April 16, 2017

And Thomas was clearly not his usual self during introductions, as he slowly made his way to the huddle.

Isaiah Thomas is introduced in front of his home crowd! #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/mveoz6ffke
— NBA (@NBA) April 16, 2017

The Celtics crowd tried their best to pick him up, giving him a massive ovation as he was introduced.

Before the game started, the Celtics also honored his sister, Chyna, with a moment of silence, which, understandably, brought tears to Thomas' face.

Moment of silence for Chyna Thomas at the TD Garden pic.twitter.com/3KhpEOK1WK
— CSN New England (@CSNNE) April 16, 2017

As Thomas took the floor, TNT showed a closeup of his shoes, on which he had written, "Chyna. R.I.P. Lil Sis."

Isaiah Thomas honoring his sister on his shoes for Game 1 pic.twitter.com/Kw0ZqMC9FN
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) April 16, 2017

It didn't take long for Thomas to get involved in the game, however, as he drilled a deep triple with just under nine minutes to go in the first quarter.