Washington Mystics coach Mike Thibault tested positive for COVID-19 and has entered the WNBA's health and safety protocols, the team said Wednesday.
Thibault will not be with the team for its final two regular-season games against the New York Liberty (Friday) and Minnesota Lynx (Sunday). At 12-18, the Mystics are holding on to the No. 8 seed and the final playoff spot available. The Mystics must at least win one of their final two games to secure a playoff berth.
Thibault's son, Eric Thibault -- the team's associate coach -- will take over coaching duties for the final two games. Mike Thibault will return once he clears WNBA protocols.
Mike Thibault, who is 70, is fully vaccinated. "Luckily, the testing and the vaccinations have done their job. He's feeling good," Eric Thibault told reporters Wednesday.
The first round of the WNBA playoffs, which start Sept. 23, are single-elimination games. The No. 5 seed will play the No. 8 seed, and the No. 6 will play the No. 7 seed.