Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas top scored in his side’s opening play-off game a day after his sister Chyna died in a car accident.

Thomas, 28, was in tears during a moment of silence prior to Sunday’s home game against Chicago Bulls and had messages including “R.I.P Lil Sis” and “I love you” written on his shoes.

He hit 33 points as the Celtics lost 106-102 in game one of the Eastern Conference play-offs first round.

Chyna Thomas died aged 22 on Saturday.

“[Isaiah] was incredible – he’s an amazing player and an amazing person,” said Boston coach Brad Stevens.

“The days won’t get easier for him, but he somehow plays like that.”