MANILA, Philippines — NBA players have been away from their families and friends since entering the league’s campus-like environment at Walt Disney World in Florida last month.
To alleviate some of that missing feeling, the Phoenix Suns came up with one of the most unique and heartwarming ways to cheer their players up inside the bubble.
I’m not crying… you are
We surprised the team with starting lineups announced by their families at home 💜🧡 pic.twitter.com/xjtwYS7RN1
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) August 11, 2020
The Suns surprised their starters and head coach Monty Williams by making their family members announce their names during the player introductions ahead of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
To top it all off, the Suns even had their super fan Jenna Warren announce Devin Booker’s name. Warren, who has Down syndrome, has developed a close friendship with the superstar guard.
The players’ reactions, as well as Williams’, were priceless.
The gesture drew praise from the rest of the league, including LeBron James and Steph Curry.
That was AMAZING!!!!!!!! S/O the Suns for that. Damn I miss my family! 😢😢😢❤️❤️ #JamesGang👑 https://t.co/SSA8Dknpn3
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 11, 2020
Aye this was amazing @Suns 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 11, 2020
Phoenix, which has been the biggest surprise in the bubble, continued their resurgence with a 130-117 win over the 76ers to remain the only unbeaten team since the restart at 7-0.
Booker, a leading candidate for Bubble MVP, dropped 35 points for the third straight game as the Suns moved a half-game out of the eighth place in the West.