LeBron praises IT's determination to play through grief
LeBron James and Isaiah Thomas shared a special moment after Game 5.
The Cleveland Cavaliers superstar gave the Boston Celtics point guard a big hug after eliminating his team from the playoffs. It was the first time they'd seen each other since Thomas exited Game 2 with a hip injury and proceeded to miss the remainder of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Thomas showed incredible courage and resilience in the postseason, playing through grief after his younger sister Chyna was killed in a car crash.
James, who sent his condolences to IT and his family at the time, was hoping to speak to the fellow All-Star in person when their teams matched up in the East Finals.
"Throughout the series we didn't get an opportunity to actually have that moment," the 32-year-old told reporters following Thursday's series-clinching 135-102 victory.
"I know I said a few things in the media about the situation he was going through, but I was happy to see him. Just give him a big hug from myself and my family.
"Just how tough and determined the guy is, and to be able to go through the situation he was going through on a day-to-day basis, still being focused and maintaining his focus for the team - family is everything, and basketball comes second after family, and to see him perform the way he was performing throughout the playoffs under the circumstances was a treat to watch. A lot more words were said, but that's the gist of it."
Thomas led the C's with 23.3 points and 6.7 dimes in 15 playoff games.