CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hornets Coach Steve Clifford will be away from the team for an undetermined period of time to deal with a “health issue.”
The team made the announcement Wednesday in a release.
The 56-year-old Clifford was a standout player and captain at the University of Maine at Farmington who lived in Maine until moving to Vermont when he was in the third grade. He missed Monday night’s game against Orlando because he was not feeling well. Associate head coach Stephen Silas filled in for Clifford against the Magic.
Clifford has battled heart problems in the past, but a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press the issue was not a heart-related. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not released details of Clifford’s health issue.
The team said there is no timetable for Clifford’s return and that officials would have no further comment.
Silas will continue to coach the team with Clifford out. The Hornets host Golden State Wednesday night.
Clifford underwent a procedure in 2013 – his first year as Charlotte’s head coach – to have two stents placed in his heart, but returned to coaching just three days later. The procedure came after Clifford began experiencing chest pain while eating at a Charlotte restaurant and had to be taken by ambulance to the hospital.
Clifford has since changed his diet and has been eating healthier.
The Hornets were playing well at home under Clifford, but are just 9-13 overall heading into Wednesday night’s game. They have struggled on the road, where they are 1-10 this season despite the play of All-Star Kemba Walker. The point guard is turning in another impressive season, averaging 22.7 points and 6.3 assists per game.
CAVALIERS: All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas played 4-on-4 on Wednesday, a significant step in his recovery from a hip injury.
SUNS: Star guard Devin Booker is expected to be sidelined two to three weeks because of a groin injury suffered during Tuesday’s loss to Toronto.
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
CAVALIERS 101, KINGS 95: LeBron James drained a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left and finished with 32 points as host Cleveland tied a franchise record with its 13th straight win.
James also had 11 rebounds and nine assists, helping the Cavs rally from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter.
PACERS 98, BULLS 96: Victor Oladipo scored 27 points, including a clutch 3-pointer with 31.1 seconds left, and Indiana edged visiting Chicago.
KNICKS 99, GRIZZLIES 98: Courtney Lee scored 24 points, Kristaps Porzingis had 18 after a slow start in his return to the lineup, and New York won at home.
MAGIC 110, HAWKS 106: Evan Fournier scored 27 points but injured his right ankle as host Orlando rallied to beat Atlanta in overtime.
WARRIORS 101, HORNETS 87: Kevin Durant had 35 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and Golden State beat host Charlotte without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
PELICANS 123, NUGGETS 114: DeMarcus Cousins had 40 points, 22 rebounds and four blocks, and New Orleans won at home.
BUCKS 104, PISTONS 100: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 25 points and nine rebounds, and Milwaukee used a strong start to the fourth quarter to earn a home victory.
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