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.”

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.

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.

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.