Rockets coach Stephen Silas leaves bench vs. Cavs to receive fluids, doesn't return

Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas left the bench during the first half of Wednesday's road game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He didn't return.

The Rockets told reporters on the scene that Silas was dehydrated and needed to receive fluids in the locker room. Silas got up from the bench during a break in first-quarter play and pointed to assistant John Lucas in an apparent gesture for him to take over coaching duties. He then walked off the court.

Lucas continued to coach the 124-89 loss to the Cavaliers. He told reporters after the game that he spoke with Silas and the he's "OK." He said that Silas hopes to travel with the team to New York and coach against the Knicks on Thursday.

"He's OK, he's better," Lucas said. "They think he'll be back tomorrow. ... "I think he'll be all right. I just talked to him. I think he looks good, so we'll see."

No further details on Silas' health were immediately available.

Silas, 48, is in his first season as an NBA head coach. The Rockets hired Silas in October to take over for Mike D’Antoni, who stepped down earlier in the offseason. Silas previously spent 20 seasons as assistant or associate head coach in the NBA.