February 11th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in ?????????????????
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Toronto Raptors coach Sam Mitchell, according to the Associated Press, is taking a leave of absence to fly home to Atlanta following the death of his father-in-law; a team spokesman said that Mitchell left Toronto and will not return until after the All-Star break.? Toronto’s first game after the break is at home against the Orlando Magic on February 20.
Assistant coaches Mike Evans and Jay Triano will coach the Raptors in Mitchell’s absence; Evans will coach the team against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, while Triano will serve as head coach Wednesday against the New Jersey Nets.? A native of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, Triano will be the first Canadian coach in NBA history.
