Boston

Celtics, Thomas Lose Emotional Game 1 to Bulls

It was an emotional night for Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics, and they wound up falling just short against the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of their first round playoff series on Sunday night.

It was a close game throughout, with Al Horford hitting a three just before halftime to bring the Celtics to within two points of the Bulls. After three quarters, the two teams were tied.

The top-seeded Celtics briefly took the lead with under 5 minutes left in the game when Thomas hit three free throws, but the Bulls pulled away from there. The Celtics made a late run, before losing 106-102.

Thomas's status was uncertain for Game 1 after his sister, 22-year-old Chyna Thomas, was killed early Saturday in car accident in their home state of Washington. He wound up playing, leading the Celtics with 33 points as the crowd at the TD Garden serenaded him with MVP chants throughout the night.

But Thomas's performance wasn't enough to top a balanced Bulls attack led by Jimmy Butler's 30 points.

The Celtics have lost in the first round each of the last two seasons, including a 4-2 loss to Atlanta last season.

Game 2 is on Tuesday night in Boston.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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