Hawks announcer returns after on-air medical emergency

A general view of the Atlanta Hawks logo. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Hawks announcer returns to work after scary on-air medical emergency

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/19/22

Atlanta Hawks play-by-play announcer Bob Rathbun is making his return to the microphone on Monday night, two weeks after being hospitalized following a terrifying on-air medical emergency.

Good morning all! Great to be back with you tonight, as the @ATLHawks try too cool off the red-hot @OrlandoMagic! Coverage at 7e/6c @HawksOnBally with @DWilkins21 @laurenjbara @TreavorScales @BrianOliver1313!!
— Bob Rathbun (@BobRathbunTV) December 19, 2022

During his pregame analysis with Dominique Wilkins ahead of the Hawks' home contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 5, Rathbun briefly lost consciousness shortly after finishing a thought and while Wilkins was talking. Bally Sports South tweeted an update later that night, saying that he was treated for dehydration and was in "stable" condition at Emory University Midtown Hospital.

Lauren Jbara subbed in last minute for Rathbun to cover play-by-play duties that night.

The 68-year-old Rathbun has been Atlanta's play-by-play voice on Bally Sports South since 1996 and serves as the lead voice for the WNBA's Atlanta Dream as well.

In Rathbun's absence, the Hawks have gone 2-5, including a road loss to the Magic last Wednesday. Monday's contest will start a span of three straight home tilts for Atlanta and a stretch of five home games in six contests to close 2022.

The Hawks are 15-15 and in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

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