EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -Hours after his father’s funeral in Illinois, Doc Rivers rejoined the Boston Celtics and coached them against the Nets on Saturday night.
Rivers arrived at the arena about 75 minutes before the game. He didn’t speak to the media before the game, leaving assistant Tom Thibodeau to talk.
“Obviously, it is tough for him,” Thibodeau said. “But he felt like this is something that he wanted to do and we certainly appreciate what he has done for us. I think the big thing for him is it’s sort of an escape. I don’t know how he has balanced it, but he has been phenomenal throughout.”
Funeral services for Grady Alexander Rivers Sr. were held at the Second Baptist Church in Mayfield, Ill. The retired Chicago police officer died last week at 76.
Thibodeau said Doc Rivers was unsure Friday night whether he would return for the game because he wanted to be there for his family.
“We certainly appreciate the fact that he did come back and he is here, and I think his family felt comfortable with him coming back,” Thibodeau said.
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