According to reports from the Oklahoman, Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams made his first appearance at a game since the death of his wife, Ingrid, back on February 9th, as he and his children watched the Thunder’s 108-70 drubbing of the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the playoffs on Saturday.
Williams, who joined Billy Donovan’s staff this past summer after being relieved of his head coaching duties with the New Orleans Pelicans, has been away from the game of basketball and will not return to the bench this season. Williams, along with four of his five children sat in Section 104, the section where Ingrid would sit for most home games.
The 44 year old visited with players before tipoff. Thunder star forward Kevin Durant was especially excited about seeing their grieving coach.
“He surprised us there in pre-game. 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.”
The family did not return to their seats after halftime.