The plane was to take the team to Memphis, but after crashing into the flock and injuring the engine, it returned to Salt Lake City and was able to make an emergency landing.
The team took another plane a couple of hours later and was able to land in Memphis on Tuesday night.
Utah then won the game 111-107.
- Suddenly it sounded like an explosion that everyone on the plane could hear.
For 10-15 minutes, we asked ourselves if we would survive, says player Mike Conley according to Reuters.
The plane bounced and lay on its left side in the air.
People sitting in the back said they saw flames.
We started to lose height and we all wondered what was happening, says Conley.
Sent sms to the family
There was death anxiety on the plane.
- It was a serious situation.
Even though I can not speak for all of us, I know that many started sending text messages to loved ones in case.
It was a very special situation.
All Star player Donovan Mitchell has a fear of flying and was not on the second plane to Memphis.
- I fully understand that.
It went so far that everyone on the plane thought it felt like the end was near.
It was completely crazy, says Jordan Clarkson who was reassured by the pilots' guidance during the turbulence.
- I thought: “please, land this planet anywhere.
Let's get through this with our lives intact, ”says Clarkson.