Crazy news coming out of the league office tonight: the NBA is suspending play until further notice. This of course in response to growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the Coronavirus.
The NBA has suspended the season in the wake of the Coronavirus Crisis. Its official statement: pic.twitter.com/x3X6pddmSq
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 12, 2020
What’s really shocking is what finally convinced the NBA to go on hiatus. Just moments before Wednesday night’s Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder match up, a Thunder team doctor reportedly came out of the locker room to get a hold of the game’s officials and ask that the game not tip-off. Those in attendance immediately felt something serious was going on.
Something is going on here. Thunder head medical staffer Donnie Strack just grabbed the three officials and told them something. All players were just told to go back to their bench. We’re seconds from tipoff.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) March 12, 2020
Both teams are heading to their locker rooms. I think the game might’ve just been called.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) March 12, 2020
It turns out that Rudy Gobert, who was initially listed as questionable for the game with an illness, has tested positive for Coronavirus.
Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert has tested positive for coronavirus, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 12, 2020
Sources say Gobert is feeling good, strong and stable — and was feeling strong enough to play tonight.
As if the situation wasn’t already concerning, just two days ago Gobert concluded his media availability by jokingly touching all of the microphones in front of him, mocking what was an effort to be cautious about the spreading of germs.
rudy gobert is questionable with an illness two days after making it "a point to touch every mic and recorder in front of him" pic.twitter.com/rqhMUc4ens
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) March 11, 2020
This Ruby Gobert move definitely hits different now pic.twitter.com/qkWPXYGImI
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) March 12, 2020
This is all just awful. I’m at a loss for words. I can’t believe how quickly all of this is happening. Be safe, take precaution, and do your research. We may not have basketball for the forseeable future, but we’ll be here and do our best to carry on.