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The 22-year-old sister of Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas died in a car accident Saturday morning, and Thomas decided to play in Sunday's playoff-opener at home against the Bulls despite dealing with the tragedy.

He was understandably emotional in the moments leading up to tip-off, and received a thunderous ovation as he was introduced to the fans in attendance.

Thomas honored his late sister with a message on his sneakers.

And once the game got going, there was no sign that he was feeling the weight of the circumstances.

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