It was a memorable Thursday night at the United Center in Chicago. The Bulls’ E’Twaun Moore hit the game winning 3-pointer as the Bulls barely defeated the Thunder 108-105 in an exciting matchup that went down to the last seconds. But there was one thing that made this night even more special for Bulls fans, as well as NBA fans everywhere. After an 11-month battle with acute leukemia, NBA sideline reporter and Chicago native Craig Sager finally returned to the basketball court for the first time. Sager, most known for being a reporter for NBA on TNT, was diagnosed with leukemia in April 2014. He spent the past year undergoing treatment, which caused him to miss the 2014 NBA Playoffs and the first half of the 2014/2015 season.
NBA players and fans alike were excited to see Sager’s familiar face back on the sidelines, looking healthy and happy, and of course rocking one of his iconic jackets. Anyone who has seen Sager in action knows that he’s always wearing the brightest outfit in the room. Whether it’s a flashy patterned suit or a bright colored blazer, there’s no way you can miss him. On his big night, he chose to go with a red and black plaid jacket in honor of his home team. During a tribute to Sager at the game, Benny the Bull upgraded him and gave Sager an official Chicago Bulls sportsjacket as a welcome back gift. That wasn’t all he got. On top of a standing ovation from the crowd, several NBA players and coaches also put together a touching video for him. Russell Westbrook, Gregg Popovich, Dwyane Wade, Mark Cuban, and Tom Thibodeau sent out personal messages to the reporter and welcomed him back. Sager seemed overwhelmed by all the love he received.
It has been a tough year for Sager and his family and also for the fans who missed his lively personality and energetic presence during the games. It will certainly be great to have him back on the sidelines for the rest of the NBA season.
