The Boston Celtics are down 0-2 to the Chicago Bulls, but this has been an incredibly tough week for star guard Isaiah Thomas for reasons unrelated to basketball.His 22-year-old sister Chyna was killed in a car accident less than two days prior to the start of the Celtics' playoff run, but he's played through the tragedy as well as he can. Thomas has not spoken publicly about the devastating news, but the Celtics put forward his first statement on the tragic passing of his sister on social media. It's an emotional message from Isaiah, who called this "the hardest week of [his] life.""I never could have imagined a day where my little sister, Chyna, wouldn't be here. She and my family are everything to me, so the pain I am feeling right now is impossible to put into words. This has been without question the hardest week of my life," Thomas opens his statement with. It's hard not to feel sympathetic for Thomas, especially if you've ever lost someone that close to you. That Thomas has played both games for Boston is miraculous, and proof of how much he cares about his basketball family. 

"At the same time, I have been overwhelmed by the love and support that I have received and couldn't be more thankful for my friends, family, fans, the city of Boston, Celtics organization and NBA community," he goes on. 

Thomas has leaned heavily on his teammates to help heal his wounds, and when he was captured feeling his painful loss on the sidelines, it was Avery Bradley who had his arm wrapped around his teammate trying to comfort him.

"I truly appreciate all of the support you've shown me the past several days and thank you for respecting my privacy as I continue to grieve and heal with my loved ones at this time," Thomas' statement concludes. 

The outpour of support from players around the NBA, media members, fans and everyone in between has been a great reminder that everyone involved with professional basketball is family in the grand scheme.

Thomas, meanwhile, is finally returning home in Washington to be with his family. The Celtics are out of action until Friday, when their series shifts to Chicago for Game 3. Should the schedule permit, Celtics players will have the option of attending memorial services. 

Thomas is expected to be with the team Friday. 

Losing anyone is painful, and that his sister was so young and died so suddenly makes it even more heartbreaking. Hopefully the time he's taking with his family can help mend some of the emotions Thomas is doing his best to play through.