Hours before playing in Game 4 Patrick Beverley was dealt a devastating blow, finding out that his grandfather had passed away. This is going to be a very emotional game for Beverley and the Rockets.
The news of Beverley’s loss was first reported by Jonathon Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.
Michael C. Wright of ESPN reported it appearing that “something [was] going on with” the Rockets’ guard. Wright also said that Beverley was crying before warming up and while warming up he “stopped, sat down & started crying again.”
Beverley swished the first shot of the game with tears in his eyes, getting his team off to a 3-0 lead in what is clearly going to be an emotional game for him.
Beverley has been averaging nine points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game this series. He’s had a big impact on the Rockets defensively and as an emotional leader of this team.
Per USA Today Sports, teammate Ryan Anderson had this to say about his teammate:
“It’s tough because you know Pat and you know that he’s about as competitive as they get,” Rockets forward Ryan Anderson, who is very good friends with Beverley, told USA TODAY Sports before joining him in chapel. “I never met his grandfather, but I know that his grandfather would want him playing in this game, and want his focus to be on this game right now. But life hits you with things.
“There are tough times in life, and we’ve just got to stick together, pick each other up. Just my job and the team’s job is to support him and be there for him. Hear him. And if he needs anything from us, my door is always open for him. He knows that. It’s tough.”
Rockets lead 57-53 at the half. Beverley has 3 points on 1-of-5 shooting from the field on this very difficult day for himself and his family.
