Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams emotional over OKC Thunder honoring late wife on her birthday
OKLAHOMA CITY — Monty Williams took time before Sunday’s game at Oklahoma City to thank the Thunder organization for honoring his late wife, Ingrid, in such a thoughtful way.
On what would’ve been her birthday Sunday, the Thunder didn’t have anyone sit in her seat for the game at Paycom Center as Williams was an OKC assistant in the 2015-16 season.
Ingrid Williams died in a car accident on Feb. 10, 2016.
“Years ago, my family and I had a really tough, tough life change here,” Williams said. “We lost my wife here in the city. This city, and in particular, this organization, wrapped their arms around me and my family and they continue to do so led by (Thunder general manager Sam Presti), the ownership here and people like Ayana Lawson.”
Lawson is the team’s vice president of community and lifestyle services.
“Today would’ve been my wife’s birthday,” continued Williams as his late wife was born on April 2, 1971. “They chose to honor my wife today by not allowing anybody to sit in her seat.”
Williams learned of the gesture Sunday morning.
“It really messed me up because it really speaks to how blessed I am to do what I do and work for the people that I work for and other people that I know and how much they care,” continued an emotional Williams.
“Sam has been really consistent over the past few years on any day, whether it’s her birthday or kids or something along those lines. For them to do that today really speaks to this organization, this city. Through a tough, tough time, God has blessed me and my kids. And we’re here and we’re still rolling and a lot of it is because of good people like Sam and Ayana and people in this organization and the city.”
Williams concluded by saying he felt torn about making it public, but wanted to express gratitude to the Thunder and the city of Oklahoma City.
"I didn't know that, but it doesn't surprise me," Suns All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who played one season for OKC, but two in Oklahoma City when New Orleans played his first two NBA seasons there due to Hurricane Katrina.
"I started my career here. Won rookie of the year here. Know Sam Presti really well. Started here. Came back here. These fans, OKC, will always be a part of my family and I'm glad they did that."
Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.
Support local journalism. Start your online subscription.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Monty Williams moved by Thunder honoring late wife on her birthday
