Breaking down Isaiah Thomas’ top 5 moments in a Boston Celtics uniform

No. 3: 33 emotional points to open up Boston’s 2017 postseason

A true warrior.

That’s who Thomas was, and on Sunday, April 16, 2017, that trait was on full display.

After practice on Saturday, the All-Star guard learned that his sister Chyna Thomas, a 22-year-old had died in a car crash in his home state of Washington. On the brink of the postseason beginning, Thomas managed to play through the emotions. Donning a black headband, Thomas had a straight face the entire game. Everything was visible. To the people at TD Garden. To everyone watching at home. Boston’s No. 4 was trying to cope with a loss in the midst of playing a postseason basketball game.

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With the support of his team, the fans, and especially his sister watching from above, Thomas pieced together an otherworldly performance despite the Game 1 defeat. The former Pac-10 First Teamer scored a game-high 33 points while amassing six assists and six rebounds. One of the highlights was his three-pointer over Rajon Rondo early in the first quarter. Mike Gorman’s “Got it” combined with the noise of the crowd made for an unforgettable point in time on the parquet floor.

It was emotional. It was inspirational. It defined the kind of man he is. Dedicated. Resilient. Tenderhearted.