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Coach Cliff will be back on the sideline for Sunday’s game.
Steve Clifford left the Magic’s 132-118 win over the Timberwolves on Friday during the third quarter after falling ill, with Ty Corbin taking over in his absence. Clifford was examined in the locker room and sent to a local hospital for further evaluation. With few details available at the time, there was great concern for Clifford.
It came as a huge relief when the Magic announced at 1:41 a.m. that Clifford left the game due to dizziness and diagnosed with dehydration. He has been cleared to return to the Magic.
During the third quarter of last night’s game at Minnesota, Orlando Magic Head Coach Steve Clifford experienced dizziness and left the floor.
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) March 7, 2020
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After preliminary tests at the arena, Clifford was taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and underwent further evaluation. Clifford was diagnosed with dehydration and was discharged from the hospital.
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) March 7, 2020
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He has rejoined the team and has been cleared to resume all coaching activities.#MagicAboveAll
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) March 7, 2020
“He’s a big part of this team, obviously,” Aaron Gordon told reporters after the game. “He’s really the heart and soul. To see him leave the sidelines, it’s really tough. I could feel it in how we started playing. A little bit more disorganized, a little more chaotic without him. His health comes first. We’re looking out for him. We’e praying for him. We hope he returns safely and is healthy because that’s a huge part of our team....At the end of the day this is just a game. Coach Cliff, he’s a friend, he’s a coach, he’s a mentor. To see somebody having a little bit of trouble, it’s bigger than basketball. Im glad we could just get the win for him and move on, and we just hope that he’s OK.”