Before his pregame media availability concluded, Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams had something to get off his chest.
Sunday would’ve marked the 52nd birthday of Williams’ late wife Ingrid. Ingrid Williams died in a car accident in Oklahoma City on Feb. 10, 2016.
At the time, Williams was an assistant coach on head coach Billy Donovan’s staff for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
To honor her memory, the Thunder left her old seats vacant during the Suns’ 128-118 win.
“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 Sam Presti, the ownership here and people like Ayana Lawson.”
“Today would’ve been my wife’s birthday,” Williams continued. “They chose to honor my wife today by not allowing anybody to sit in her seat. When I found out this 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 I work for and know the people I know and how much they care.”
“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,” Williams continued. “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.”
“I just wanted to make sure they were recognized for that,” Williams said. “It’s kinda hard not to make it a public thing, but I think in situations like this, it’s good to give gratitude and be grateful for good people and they do really, really cool things.”
Before his pregame presser concluded, Monty Williams wanted to show his gratitude towards the Thunder
OKC elected to leave his wife’s seats vacant for today’s game — who died in 2016 when Monty was an OKC assistant
“It really speaks to this organization and h the is city.” pic.twitter.com/tafMy4OhDG
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) April 2, 2023
