The connection between a city and its players often outlasts wins, losses, and box scores. Years after one unforgettable playoff night, a simple handwritten message from a fan resurfaced that bond, reminding Boston of a moment when emotion, resilience, and basketball collided in unforgettable fashion.
A Playoff Night That Cemented Isaiah Thomas’ Legacy in Boston
Isaiah Thomas recently shared a note sent by a fan, thanking Thomas for a night that still resonates deeply in Boston sports memory. The message read:
“I didn’t want to bother you, but wanted to let you know that your Eastern Conference Semi-final agaisnt the wizards was the best game I’ve ever been to. Appreciate you and every thing you brought to the city. Thanks so much for all the good times!! Long Live the Celtics ♡♡”
Obsessed with this
(Via @isaiahthomas IG) pic.twitter.com/869Mwo8ewI
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) December 20, 2025
The note refers to Game 2 of the 2017 Eastern Conference semifinals, when Thomas delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in Boston Celtics history against the Washington Wizards.
On that Tuesday night, Thomas scored 53 points, including nine in overtime, to lift the Celtics to a 129-119 win and a 2-0 series lead. The performance placed him among a rare group in franchise history as only the fifth Celtic to score 50 or more points in a postseason game.
The circumstances surrounding the game amplified its impact. Thomas was playing through personal tragedy after the death of his sister just before the playoffs began. He had attended her funeral days earlier and returned to play with little rest, carrying visible emotional weight onto the court.
Physically, the game was equally taxing. After losing a front tooth in Game 1, Thomas played Game 2 while wearing a mouth guard, frequently adjusting it after hard contact. He even slammed his face on the floor during the third quarter, needing time to reset his teeth before continuing. Despite that, his offensive control never wavered.
The game itself swung wildly. The Wizards surged early behind John Wall’s explosive first quarter, then rebuilt a double-digit lead in the third. The Celtics responded each time, erasing deficits through collective effort and Thomas’ late game poise. In the closing seconds of regulation, Thomas calmly hit two free throws to force overtime, where the Celtics finally seized control.
Tempers flared, bodies collided, and multiple players required medical attention, underscoring the intensity of the night. Yet through the chaos, Thomas remained the constant.
The fan’s note captures why that game still matters. It was not only about 53 points. It was about defiance, leadership, and vulnerability played out on the sport’s biggest stage. Years later, a few handwritten lines prove that for Boston, that night never really ended.