Thursday night was one of many emotions for both the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The two teams faced off in Game 6 in the first round of the NBA playoffs and the stakes were incredibly high.
Phoenix held a 3-2 lead over the Pelicans, meaning they could put the team away and move onto the second round.
That is exactly what they did with a 115-109 victory that pushed the Pelicans out of the playoffs.
Following the game, there was nothing but love for Pelicans head coach Willie Green.
An assistant coach for the Suns last season, Pelicans first-year coach Willie Green shows some emotion after a hard-fought series against his former team.
What a moment. pic.twitter.com/8EdY42uxP4
— NBA (@NBA) April 29, 2022
Green got a round of hugs and true support from the Suns and there is a good reason why.
Just last year, Green was an assistant coach for Phoenix and was with them as they tried their hardest to win the NBA Finals.
Years before, his relationships with both Phoenix head coach Monty Williams and Chris Paul began when he played under Williams for the then-New Orleans Hornets alongside Paul.
Green has come a long way since then but he remains close with the two men.
What’s Next For Green?
Green, Williams, and Paul were all emotional after the game.
You could tell they were genuinely moved by the evening.
Fans even spotted Williams wiping tears away from Green’s eyes.
It’s obvious that no matter what happens, these men are still brothers.
Green is well-loved by his Pelicans and the Suns as well.
NBA fans are also blown away by the young coach – his work with the Pelicans this year has been tremendous and truly astounding.
Even without their main star, Zion Williamson, New Orleans has surged forward and is now one of the most promising teams in the West.
Green should be proud of himself and he certainly isn’t alone.
NEXT: James Harden Was His Old Self Thursday Night