f you thought the coronavirus was a bummer, the NBA just postponed the last leg of its season. Because of the spreading disease.
The Association took the drastic measure after Utah Jazz and France star center Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for the virus, just before his team tipped-off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game was abandoned.
The NBA is “suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said in a statement. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
It’s a sharp u-turn from the league, which was expected to play out games in empty arenas until the disease was contained.
With the all-star game in the rearview, the 82-game regular season is in the final straight. Many teams have roughly 16 games to go. The virus simply couldn’t have come at a worse time for NBA fans. And there are many.
Celebs and athletes took out their shock and awe online, as the NBA announced the ball would stop bouncing for the foreseeable future. See some of the reaction below.
NBA To Suspend Season Following Tonight's Games pic.twitter.com/2PTx2fkLlW
— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2020
Man we cancelling sporting events, school, office work, etc etc. What we really need to cancel is 2020! 🤦🏾♂️. Damn it’s been a rough 3 months. God bless and stay safe🙏🏾
— LeBron James (@KingJames) March 12, 2020
Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson. The NBA!
Trumpers? Can we agree that this isn’t a hoax?
Can’t you see how dangerous this president is? He’s been lying to us for weeks. Can’t you see how dangerous Fox News is? They’ve been corroborating his lies.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 12, 2020
Congratulations to @NBA Commissioner #AdamSilver for outstanding leadership in recognizing a crisis. He did not cherry pick.
He chose the lives of players over other interests.— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) March 12, 2020
Just waiting on the email from the School District telling me that my Sons school will be closed until further notice! No Basketball to watch, can’t talk about the NBA on ESPN and now Children at home driving me crazy!!! That 2020 life. 😑
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 12, 2020
The NBA season being postponed indefinitely is a major blow. A lot of parking attendants, security guards, concession stand workers and others are about to miss out on wages and tips that they desperately need.
— Andrew Yang🧢⬆️🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) March 12, 2020
No games no pay 👀 hope everybody saved properly https://t.co/mxrdpvNalf
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) March 12, 2020
Was just on the phone with Rudy. He is doing good man. Lets not panick everyone. Love you all❤️
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) March 12, 2020
Man… This stuff crazy… Praying for EVERYBODY in this tough time🙏🏽
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) March 12, 2020
I hope all the players take some time to really work on life outside of basketball . Using your resources and celebrity to your advantage . Take the meetings. Diversify and learn to explore other avenues of income while you’re still in the league. Bc when it’s over it’s over !
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) March 12, 2020
2020 is being very bad year!! stay safe folks🙏
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) March 12, 2020
NO BASKETBALL 🤮
— yg (@YG) March 12, 2020
2020 aint it. Don't know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 12, 2020
You’re a Solid guy. @mcuban #respect https://t.co/giAWNLy9MS
— LLCOOLJ (@llcoolj) March 12, 2020
