BOSTON

Danny Ainge Suffers Heart Attack, Expected to Recover

The Boston Celtics announced Thursday that President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge suffered a mild heart attack and is expected to recover.

The team said Ainge suffered the heart attack in Milwaukee on Tuesday night. They said he received immediate medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.

Ainge is expected to return to Boston shortly. The Celtics said further updates will be provided "as appropriate."

Ainge's son, Celtics Director of Player Personnel Austin Ainge, thanked the medical staff and the entire Celtics family on Twitter on Thursday.

"In the wee hours at the hospital, after learning my dad was ok, I was brought to tears thinking of how many people went above and beyond to help my dad &family," he said. "We are so very grateful. Thank you!"

Ainge's other son, Tanner Ainge, also thanked the Celtics for treating his father like family and jumping in "with full support."

Celtics players and coaches were quick to supoort Ainge following the news.

Sports Connection

Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.

Which school has the most NCAA Tournament men's basketball championships?

Rays' Wander Franco placed on leave through June 1 as sexual abuse probe continues

"What he's going through is more important than any game," said small forward Jayson Tatum.

"He's a friend, and you know, the family's been so good to us," added head coach Brad Stevens. "You don't even think about anything else."

Ainge, who turned 60 in March, also suffered a mild heart attack back in April 2009. He spent a few days recovering at Massachusetts General Hospital before being released.

"Age is only a number to Danny. He still thinks he's young," said Celtics guard Marcus Smart. "To get a win would be something huge for him."

The Celtics will take on the Bucks in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series in Boston Friday after splitting Games 1 and 2 in Milwaukee.

Ainge was a baseball and basketball star at BYU who played parts of three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays before settling into a 14-year career in the NBA. He won two championships with the Celtics in the Larry Bird era.

Ainge coached the Phoenix Suns for three-plus seasons and took over the Celtics basketball operations in 2003.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us