Friday night, Orlando coach Steve Clifford left the bench in the third quarter and went back to the locker room, complaining of feeling ill. Considering the suddenness of the illness and the symptoms, Clifford was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. It was a concerning moment.
Good news followed late that night: Clifford was released from the hospital and cleared to return to coaching the team.
From Josh Robbins at The Athletic.
There was extra caution around Clifford because of his health history. While coach of the Charlotte Hornets earlier in his career, Clifford had stents put in an artery to open blockages and help his heart. A couple of years later, he missed 21 games due to crippling headaches and other symptoms that were tied to sleep deprivation.
Clifford’s workaholic nature is part of what made him an NBA coach, but it has taken a toll on him physically.
Thankfully, he is okay and back on the sidelines.