Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman will miss the team’s next two games because of the death of his older brother, Rick, on Saturday morning, the team announced on Sunday.
Veteran assistant coach Don Newman will act as coach in Wittman’s absence.
Wittman coached during the Wizards’ 123-122 win Saturday night at the Houston Rockets. He was emotional afterward and paused to stifle tears when speaking to reporters.
“Tough day,” he said. “But, he was here. He watches every game in a La-Z-Boy, and he’s up in heaven watching in a La-Z-Boy.”
The Wizards (21-24) play at the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night and return home to face the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. At 43-4, Warriors are tied for the best record NBA history after 47 games.
Wittman is expected to return when the Wizards host the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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