At its core, the NBA is a large fraternity and even though everyone is playing for a chance at the Larry O’Brien Trophy, there are some things that outrank that. Isaiah Thomas’ personal tragedy over the weekend definitely qualifies.The Celtics star guard lost his 22-year-old sister in a tragic car accident on Saturday, just a day before their playoff opener against the Chicago Bulls. The scene inside of the TD Garden was one of support for their best player as he copes with that loss.All the way across the country, Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors were getting done with their first round debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. After the 121-109 win, the team’s two biggest stars took to the podium to talk about their victory.Kevin Durant decided that he had something to say before he started talking about field goal percentages and defensive strategies though. Before questions began in earnest, he decided to let Thomas know that the NBA family is absolutely supporting him in his time of need.Warriors head coach Steve Kerr echoed those statements in his press conference as well and added that the entire organisation was feeling the exact same way about what that family must be going through right now.Thomas was an absolute feel-good story this year for the C’s as they managed to capture the top seed in the Eastern Conference and best the LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the standings.

When this sad news broke, it effectively took the wind out of Boston’s sails a day before what was primed to be one of the most proud moments for the franchise since the days of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Durant and Kerr are not alone, their opponents offered their condolences and prayers before the game as well. CJ McCollum of the Blazers is close with Thomas and took to Twitter to offer a personal show of support.

Nothing will ever heal the sort of pain that comes with losing a close family member or sibling, but having everyone who knows you come to your aid must help in dealing with it a little bit. Boston is going to need every one of those well-wishes going forward.

There are things bigger than basketball, in fact most of the fans watching everyday have to go back to their jobs after the games are over and worry about real world problems.

IT is no different in this regard, but now his job will probably help serve as some sort of therapy while he deals with this loss and forges a path forward with the rest of his family. It’s pretty clear that win or lose, everybody is supporting him in any way that they know how.