This Sunday, the #1 seeded Celtics took the court against the #8 seeded Bulls. Isaiah Thomas, starting point guard of the Celtics, made a game-time decision to play in the playoff-opener. This comes to the surprise of many, as just yesterday, Thomas’ sister, Chyna Thomas, died in a car accident. It was a tough game emotionally for those involved. The Celtics would eventually fall to the Bulls with a final score of 106-102. This loss did not, however, deter fans from both sides from praising and praying for Isaiah Thomas and his family.
Most were supportive.
All of #Boston is watching @Isaiah_Thomas tonight with a heavy heart. #Celtics pic.twitter.com/lMnp8mamYm
— Boston Attitude (@BostonAttitude) April 17, 2017
couldn't imagine doing what IT is about to do. hope he finds some peace, if only for a little while, out on that court tonight. #Celtics
— Mike Golic Jr (@MGolicJR57) April 16, 2017
Dude…watching @Isaiah_Thomas try to warm up while obviously crying is crushing my heart. Want that man to win today #Celtics #HoopsLab
— Andre Snellings (@ProfessorDrz) April 16, 2017
A few were less friendly, and more competitive.
I like the #Bulls, but I love seeing #Boston #Celtics fans like this. #BostonVulgar pic.twitter.com/81OkWDUtao
— Mike Coleman (@mgcoleman) April 17, 2017
As always the Boston fans showed their game-day spirit:
🗣YOU CAN'T GAURD ISAIAH! #Celtics pic.twitter.com/xN8Nj0dbF4
— Casey Baker (@CaseyBake16) April 17, 2017
And some fans were more analytical.
Ugliest game of the playoffs so far. So many turnovers, so many second chance points. #Bulls #Celtics
— Kristine Leahy (@KristineLeahy) April 17, 2017
While some were for the celtics, and some were against, there was an underlying theme of appreciate of Thomas’ tragedy and outstanding bravery. While some fans chose to smack-talk the celtics, it was pretty clear to all that the 5’9 point guard, has a heart and strength of a giant.
Spencer,
I really enjoyed how you highlighted the way sports can bring people together in support of others during times like these. Of course, by the nature of sport, the Bulls weren’t going to play any softer and their fans were not going to stop rooting for them. However, it was amazing to see all the love and support that fans across the world gave to Thomas during his tragedy. One of the things that I love most about sport in general is that it stands for something bigger. Situations like these remind us that even at the highest levels, what is going on during a game means far less than what is going on outside of it.