Mike Budenholzer returned to coach the Hawks Sunday night after a one-game absence to attend to a family emergency.
Budenholzer missed Friday night’s game at the Celtics following a medical situation involving his wife, Mary Bet. He issued a statement on the situation Saturday night. On Sunday he returned to coach the Hawks against the Jazz.
“The support from the staff and the players and everybody has been great,” said Budenholzer in his only comment on the situation. “I’m just appreciative of that.”
Assistant coach Kenny Atkinson led the Hawks against the Celtics. The loss counts against Budenholzer’s record.
Budenholzer got support from his players and the opposing coach in his return Sunday.
“It’s huge for us,” Kent Bazemore said. “Being out there on the floor is kind of our sanctuary. For him to get away from whatever is going on will be huge. Any time you can be around your guys and forget about the not-so-good stuff is always a good thing.
The Jazz are coached by Quin Snyder, who served as an assistant with the Hawks in Budenholzer’s first season in Atlanta.
“He is a great friend and I support him any way possible,” Snyder said.
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