The NBA announced it would suspend its season until further notice amid the spread of coronavirus. This move follows reports that a Utah Jazz player — reported to be Rudy Gobert — had contracted the virus prior to tip-off of last night’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder. The game was subsequently cancelled, though the NBA statement confirmed that the affected player was not in the arena.
The statement goes on to read: “The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
According to ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst, teams that have recently played the Jazz have been told to self-quarantine. Those teams include the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors.
LeBron James, who previously said he wouldn’t want to play NBA games behind closed doors without fans reacted on Twitter.
Stay tuned for updates to this developing story.
