After losing the 2021 NBA Finals, Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams went into the Milwaukee Bucks to congratulate them on their victory.
Monty Williams is an absolute winner. It may not have shown that on the scoreboard Tuesday night, when his Phoenix Suns fell short in Game 6, 105-98, to lose the 2021 NBA Finals, but the man is so well-respected for a reason, and his response to adversity demonstrated it again.
Moments after getting emotional at the podium in the wake of the Suns’ defeat, Williams entered the Bucks’ champagne-soaked locker room during their postgame celebrations and congratulated them on their victory.
“I just wanted to come and congratulate you guys, as a man, as a coach” he said. “You guys deserve it, and I’m thankful for the experience. You guys made me a better coach, you made us a better team. Congratulations.”
Monty Williams displays incredible sportsmanship in defeat
Williams, who has dealt with more than his fair share of adversity off the court, has always remained cognizant of the fact that basketball is just a game, and that he gets to make a living coaching in this league. Throughout his press conferences this year, when the Suns were in a rare rut or dealing with their own hardship, he always brought his perspective that there’s much more to life than this game.
So it’s only fitting that, when facing the biggest hurt he’s ever experienced as an NBA head coach, he responded to that adversity with the kind of strength, poise and humility he’s shown throughout his time in the league.
The Suns didn’t win the NBA Finals, but after such a magical season fell short of the ultimate goal in such painful fashion, as least they’re carrying themselves like winners following in Monty’s lead.