Story by
Isaiah Thomas Took the Court Hours After Surgery to Score 53 Points for His Sister
- Story by
- Isaiah Thomas Took the Court Hours After Surgery to Score 53 Points for His Sister
For a player selected with the final pick of the NBA draft, earning a place in the league was an improbable achievement. Isaiah Thomas turned that unlikely beginning into one of the most memorable nights in Boston Celtics playoff history.
The Sacramento Kings selected Thomas 60th overall in 2011 , making him the last player chosen that year. The 5-foot-9 guard had starred at Washington, but his draft position left him with little margin for error as he pursued an NBA career.
Advertisement
Thomas proved he belonged. After stops in Sacramento and Phoenix, he joined the Celtics in 2015 and emerged as the team's leading scorer. His quickness and ability to finish around taller defenders helped make him one of the league's most productive guards.
Then came the 2017 playoffs, amid a devastating personal loss. Thomas' younger sister, Chyna, died in a car accident in April. Boston continued its postseason run, and Thomas returned to the court while grieving.
Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4)Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
On May 2, the Celtics faced the Washington Wizards in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The date would have been Chyna's 23rd birthday. Thomas also played through a dental injury, undergoing emergency oral surgery before the game.
Advertisement
He delivered 53 points in a 129-119 overtime victory, including 29 in the fourth quarter and overtime. The performance became the second-highest playoff scoring total in Celtics history and helped Boston take a 2-0 series lead.
Thomas dedicated the night to his sister, making the achievement more than a remarkable box score. It was a moment shaped by both extraordinary skill and personal grief.
His journey from the final selection in the 2011 draft to a 53-point playoff performance remains a striking example of perseverance. The night is still remembered not only for the points he scored, but for the reason he kept playing.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Other Sports section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
