The Phoenix Suns played a back-to-back set on Tuesday and Wednesday and was noticeably without their starting center, Tyson Chandler. As it turned out, the 32-year-old was in Santa Monica, California to be with his family following the death of his mother, Vernie Re Threadgill.
Chandler made a statement that was released by the team on Wednesday morning.
“The First Love of My Life, My Mother, Vernie Re Threadgill, won her battle with cancer on November 8th and transitioned to Heaven to be with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She won because she is no longer in pain and her sickness was healed in Heaven. My Dad William and My Brothers Tervon and Terrell along with all of her family and close friends will miss her with every beat of our hearts.”
Condolences to Tyson and his loved ones from the entire Suns family. pic.twitter.com/0rL68FDljK
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 10, 2016
Another member of the Suns organization also lost a family member within hours after Chandler's mother died. The father of the team's Vice President of Player Programs, Mark West, also passed away.
Our thoughts are also with former Suns center @mwest41 and his family following the passing of his father.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 10, 2016
Head coach Earl Watson spoke to the media after their matchup on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons and said they came in with extra motivation and wanted to win the game for their team members.
"Coming into this game, we wanted to win for Mark and Tyson." – @Earl_Watson pic.twitter.com/aqHN6tuVW1
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 10, 2016
Chandler is expected to re-join the team in time for their next game on Saturday when they host the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena.