Thunder honor Monty Williams’s wife, memorialize her seat

Ingrid Williams’s seat was memorialized at Chesapeake Energy Arena and fans wore “W7” pins at Friday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers.

The Oklahoma City Thunder remembered assistant coach Monty Williams’s late wife, Ingrid, by memorializing her seat at Chesapeake Energy Arena and giving fans “W7” pins on Friday night.

Ingrid Williams died Feb. 10 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident the night before. Williams, 44, was involved in the accident after she was hit by a woman who crossed over the center lane. 

The Thunder also honored Williams with a moment of silence was observed before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans last week.

• Monty, Ingrid Williams take care of Ryan Anderson after girlfriend’s suicide

The Thunder are honoring the late Ingrid Williams tonight in OKC. pic.twitter.com/J1o7vuGzml

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 20, 2016

Ingrid Williams' seat at OKC's arena is filled with a bouquet of flowers in her honor. https://t.co/sUreLQ24q0

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 20, 2016

Monty Williams was the head coach of the New Orleans Hornets, and later the Pelicans, from 2010–15 before joining Billy Donovan’s staff in Oklahoma City.

On Thursday, Monty Williams offered forgiveness to the driver of the car who killed his wife last week, asking for prayer for the driver’s family during the eulogy at her funeral. Ingrid Williams is survived by five children as well as her husband.

• Video of Monty Williams delivering a moving eulogy at wife’s funeral

“That to me is one of the reasons I love working with the Thunder: because people I work with inspire me,” general manager Sam Presti said of Williams. “They don’t motivate me, they inspire me. The people to me are what make the place.”

The Thunder host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. Williams stayed at home with his family.

- Christopher Chavez