The Houston Rockets got a big win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, beating that team 111-97.
In fact, the Rockets never even trailed at one point during the competitive match.
It was a big night for the Rockets, who are currently the worst team in the West with a 9-18 record.
But it was a special, painful, bittersweet night for their head coach, Stephen Silas.
Long, emotional embrace between Stephen Silas and Suns Coach Monty Williams after Houston beat Phoenix at Toyota Center pic.twitter.com/3u4C2Eqvwr
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) December 14, 2022
Silas just lost his father, NBA legend Paul Silas, who passed away this weekend.
This was Stephen’s first game back since saying goodbye to his dad, who was celebrated by the whole league upon his death.
In a very touching moment after the game, Suns head coach Monty Williams closely embraced Silas and gave him words of support and love.
A clearly emotional Silas held close to his friend and seemed to really need a moment like that.
This was an instance that showed that the NBA is about so much more than just a game.
Celebrating Silas
Following the game, Silas was asked if working again after his father’s death made things easier.
“I don’t know if it makes it easier or not, but my dad was a coach and he would tell me to coach,” Silas said to ESPN.
It felt as if the team was playing extra hard, not only for their coach but for his father.
Jalen Green produced 25 points while Kevin Porter Jr. had 18.
The win was important but the love that Silas got from all of the other players and coaches was the truly special takeaway from the game.
It wasn’t just Williams who hugged and supported Silas – he received emotional words from multiple players as well.
Getting back to work following a death like this is never easy but Silas is lucky to have so many people who care about him.
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