Isaiah Thomas Recalls Kobe Bryant's Support After Sister's Death Before 2017 Playoffs

Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas recently shared details about how NBA legend Kobe Bryant reached out to him following the tragic death of his sister, Chyna, in a car accident just before the 2017 NBA playoffs. In an interview on the CNN podcast "All There Is with Anderson Cooper," Thomas described the period as one of the most numb moments of his life. Despite his grief, his father encouraged him to play, believing it was what his sister would have wanted. Thomas revealed that Bryant sent a lengthy text offering condolences but also delivering a characteristic message of tough love: if Thomas chose to play, there were to be no excuses, and he needed to perform at his highest level. This advice resonated deeply with Thomas, who viewed basketball as a sanctuary from his pain. He decided to proceed with the playoff games, using the court as a space to escape his thoughts for a few hours. Thomas admitted that while his body was present, his mind struggled, making it one of the hardest challenges he ever faced. The story highlights the complex brotherhood within the NBA that transcends team rivalries, specifically between the Celtics and the Lakers.