TD Garden was buzzing Friday night-and not just because the Celtics poured in 10 threes in the fourth quarter to put away the Miami Heat, 129-116. It was a night that belonged just as much to Isaiah Thomas as it did to Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. The former Celtics All-Star was back in the building, and Boston made sure he felt the love.
Before the Celtics caught fire from deep, the crowd stood to its feet for a tribute video honoring Thomas, a player whose heart and hustle left a permanent imprint on the franchise. The ovation was long, loud, and well-earned. Thomas, who helped lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017, was never the biggest guy on the court-but his impact in Boston was massive.
And fittingly, it was Jaylen Brown-his former teammate-who led the charge on the floor. After the game, Brown gave Thomas a shoutout during his walk-off interview, a moment that brought things full circle. These two shared the court during a pivotal stretch in Celtics history, and the respect clearly still runs deep.
Jaylen Brown was asked in his walk-off interview about getting the win in front of Isaiah Thomas, who was sitting courtside:
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) December 20, 2025
"IT a legend. I'm still mad he popcorned my car." pic.twitter.com/Xd9IdqUpvf
“IT a legend,” Brown said. “I'm still mad he popcorned my car.”
That’s the kind of memory that sticks. Back when Brown was a rookie, Thomas pulled off the classic popcorn-in-the-car prank-one of those welcome-to-the-league moments that rookies never forget.
But beyond the jokes, there’s a real bond there. Brown and Thomas were part of a Celtics team that overachieved, over-delivered, and captured the city’s imagination in 2017.
Thomas was at the center of it all. Two-time All-Star.
Fifth in MVP voting. And, of course, the unforgettable 53-point performance against the Wizards in the Eastern Conference Semifinals-just weeks after the tragic loss of his sister.
That night wasn’t just about basketball. It was about resilience, heart, and playing through unimaginable pain.
It’s a game that still resonates with Celtics fans to this day.
Even now, Thomas isn’t done. He made it clear he’s hoping for one more shot in the NBA.
After bouncing around the league following his trade to Cleveland-then making stops with the Lakers, Nuggets, Wizards, and most recently the Suns-he’s stayed ready. He even put together some strong showings in the G League, chasing that final chapter in his pro career.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who arrived in Boston just as Thomas’ time was winding down, spoke after the game about what IT meant to the organization.
“Outside of the fact I couldn't hear in the timeout, I thought it was a great gesture to have IT back,” Mazzulla said. “He's done so much for the city and really for the organization.
Who he was as a person and a player - it just says a lot about him. He sets an example of yes, it's about winning, but also, when you're a high-character guy, people appreciate you, and you're able to leave the place a little better than you found it.”
That’s the legacy Isaiah Thomas left in Boston. Not just the points or the playoff runs, but the way he carried himself.
The way he connected with fans. The way he gave everything he had-every night, no matter the circumstances.
So while Jaylen Brown and this current Celtics squad continue their own journey, Friday night was a reminder of what came before. And for Isaiah Thomas, it was a well-deserved moment in the spotlight-one more ovation for a player who gave Boston everything he had.