The Boston Celtics have overcome a lot of adversity this season, not just as a team but as individuals. The man on the Celtics roster who has been through the most painful recent personal loss is also the man who happens to have achieved the most on the court individually: Isaiah Thomas.
The Celtics are wearing black stripes — in essence, arm bands — on their uniforms in honor of Thomas’ late sister Chyna Thomas, who was killed in an auto accident just as the 2017 NBA playoffs were getting started. The Celtics have emphasized team play in their stunning run to the top of the Eastern Conference, and despite Thomas’ individual glory they have maintained that team emphasis — and title hopes — under head coach Brad Stevens who was a big factor in getting the black stripes put on the jerseys. The stripes show sympathy for and solidarity with Thomas as he deals with his grief and simultaneously tries to lead the Celtics on the court.
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