SACRAMENTO — Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas have had a blossoming friendship ever since Brady joined the Celtics’ delegation that tried to recruit Kevin Durant last summer.

They exchange text messages often, and when Brady guided New England to its improbable Super Bowl win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Thomas sent a congratulatory message. He said Brady responded quickly with words of appreciation and encouragement.

“He said it’s not over ’til it’s over,’’ Thomas said Tuesday night. “He was just proud of his teammates. That’s what he texted back, that he was proud of his team and the city. Nobody gave up and they just kept fighting. And he was like, ‘It’s your turn next.’ So now he’s putting the pressure on us, but hopefully we can make something happen.’’

Last month, Brady sent Thomas his autographed No. 12 jersey and Thomas wore it to the Patriots’ playoff game against the Houston Texans.

Thomas has taken the NBA by storm this season with his dominant fourth-quarter performances. He said when Brady led the Patriots on their stirring 25-point comeback, he heard people say Brady was taking a page from his book of late-game heroics.

“Nah, I need to take a page from his,’’ Thomas said, smiling. “He’s got five rings. It was unbelievable. That’s the greatest quarterback, football player that’s ever been. I was speechless. What they did to turn that whole game around and for it to happen in the Super Bowl says a lot.’’

Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @adamhimmelsbach.