Mike Budenholzer returns to Hawks after wife’s medical emergency

Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer returned to the team after a one-game absence tending to his wife’s medical emergency.

Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer returned to the team after a one-game absence due to a family emergency with his wife. 

“The support from the players and the staff and everybody has been great,” he told reporters before Atlanta’s 97–96 loss to the Utah Jazz. “I’m just appreciative of that.”

Budenholzer released an earlier statement Saturday regarding his absence at Friday’s 106–93 loss to the Boston Celtics. 

Top assistant coach Kenny Atkinson filled in for Budenholzer. The head coach initially traveled with the team to Boston, but left early Friday morning. Budenholzer said his family is “encouraged by her progress to this point and remain cautiously optimistic.”

Budenholzer thanked the staff at Emory University for its “outstanding care” and the Hawks organization for their “support and encouragement.” The coach ended his statement saying, “I will return to the team as soon as possible.”

A statement from Coach Bud: pic.twitter.com/9NrZveYj1y

— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 15, 2015

You can watch highlights of Atlanta’s loss to Utah below:

Last season, Budenholzer led the Hawks to the Eastern Conference finals and a franchise-record 60 wins. The reigning NBA Coach of the Year is in his third season with Atlanta. 

- Xandria James