Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams put his faith on display Tuesday night, praying for Houston Rockets’ head coach Stephen Silas on the court after Silas lost his father over the weekend.
In videos that have circulated on social media, Williams can be seen approaching Silas on the sidelines after the Suns’ loss to the Rockets. Williams consoled Silas with his words and an embrace.
An emotional Silas buried his head in Williams’ shoulder as the Suns’ coach prayed for him while the game’s commentators, players, and spectators watched.
Suns coach Monty Williams is the real deal. After a tough loss, he embraces Houston coach Stephen Silas and PRAYS for him after the loss of his dad Paul Silas. Beautiful display of love and empathy. pic.twitter.com/MevvBp13At
— Jason Romano (@JasonRomano) December 14, 2022
Stephen’s father, Paul, a 3-time champion and long-time head coach in the NBA, died on Dec. 10 after suffering a heart attack. He was 79.
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During a press conference after the game, Silas referenced Williams, saying, “Everybody knows [Monty] is like one of the best people in the world. He’s been through so much and has so many little tidbits and so many experiences that he draws from, but he has a great way of communicating. Tonight, his way of communicating was through a hug, which I needed, and I love him for that. He’s a good man.”
Williams knows about grief himself, having lost his wife in a tragic car accident in 2016. Williams’ wife, Ingrid, was hit head-on by an incoming vehicle that lost control and crossed into her lane. The couple have five children together.
At his wife’s funeral, the then 44-year-old Williams shared that “God causes all things to work out. You can’t quit. You can’t give in.”
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“Let’s not lose sight of what’s important. God will work this out,” Williams said. “My wife is in heaven. God loves us. God is love. And when we walk away from this place today, let’s celebrate because my wife is where we all need to be.”
Williams reminded everybody that his family wasn’t the only one affected by the accident, but also the family of the one who lost control of the car that hit her. He encouraged others to pray for them and closed his speech by declaring that “God is important. What Christ did on the cross is important.” He then said, “Let’s not lose sight of that family that also lost someone that they love.”
