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Wizards coach Wittman not at start of game

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WASHINGTON (AP) Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman missed the first quarter of Saturday night's 117-110 loss to the New York Knicks because he was attending the memorial service for longtime NBA coach Flip Saunders in Minnesota.

Wittman returned as the second quarter was starting.

Saunders, who died Sunday after battling cancer, and Wittman worked together for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Wizards. Wittman succeeded Saunders when he was fired by Washington in January 2012.

Assistant coaches Don Newman and Don Zierden coached Washington for the opening quarter.

A moment of silence for Saunders was observed before the game's start.