Thunder lead assistant coach Monty Williams surprised his team by showing up at its first playoff game of the season, his first appearance at Chesapeake Energy Arena since the death of his wife, Ingrid, following a Feb. 9 car accident.
Williams was at the Thunder’s practice the day before Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series against the Mavericks, and paid a visit to the locker room before Saturday’s game, The Oklahoman reported.
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“He surprised us there in pregame," forward Kevin Durant said. "We miss him so much and he’s been a huge part of this whole season for us so it was great to see him.”
Four of Williams' five children sat in section 104 of the arena, the same seats Ingrid typically used during games. Williams joined them about midway through the first quarter, according to the report. The Thunder had already opened up a double-digit lead on the Mavericks en route to a 108-70 win.
The Thunder announced March 11 that Williams would not return to the team this season, and it's still unclear whether he’ll be back on the bench for these playoffs. Coach Billy Donovan said in March that Williams’ return would probably be decided after his children finish their school year.