TORONTO — Sam Mitchell was back on the bench at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday — but as the coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Mitchell, who still holds the Toronto Raptors franchise record for wins with 156, is an assistant with the T’Wolves. He stepped in for head coach Flip Saunders, who missed Wednesday’s game against the Raptors for personal reasons.
"People have always been gracious to me, always treated me well (in Toronto), so it’s always fun to come back," Mitchell said prior to tip-off. "The fans here are passionate, and I used to try to tell people, unless you’ve been to a Raptors game, or been here, you don’t understand what a great atmosphere this is to play in.
"The fan base here is great, and they cheer for their team, pull for their team."
Raptors coach Dwane Casey is only 11 wins behind Mitchell for the franchise record.
"Dwane is a heck of a coach, he’s done an unbelievable job, and this is a great organization," Mitchell said. "Dwane is a friend of mine. I’m glad he’s doing well, I’m glad the Raptors are doing well, they treated me well, I have nothing but great fond memories of this city, the organization, the team and the players I was fortunate enough to coach.
"I wish Dwane all the luck and success going forward. Except for tonight."
Mitchell led Toronto to the team’s first Atlantic Division title in 2006-07, earning NBA coach of the year.
Casey has the best winning percentage in team history — 48.8 per cent.
