ATLANTA — Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer will miss Friday night’s game at TD Garden against the Celtics because of a family emergency.
The team announced Budenholzer returned to Atlanta early Friday after initially traveling with the team. The Hawks gave no additional details and asked fans and media to “respect the private nature of the situation.”
Top assistant Kenny Atkinson will coach the Hawks against the Celtics.
Budenholzer is in his third season as Atlanta’s coach. He also took over as president of basketball operations this season after the departure of general manager Danny Ferry.
Budenholzer guided the Hawks to a franchise-record 60 wins and a spot in the Eastern Conference final last season. He was the NBA’s coach of the year.
Thumbnail photo via Steve Mitchell/USA TODAY Sports Images