NBA suspends season amid coronavirus concerns

In an unprecedented decision, the NBA has decided to “suspend” its season following tonight’s games.

NBA To Suspend Season Following Tonight's Games pic.twitter.com/2PTx2fkLlW

— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2020

The move comes after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The test result was reported shortly prior to tip-off of the Jazz’s game in Oklahoma City, the NBA says, at which time the game was canceled. Gobert was not in the arena.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league announced. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

The Jazz and Thunder players are currently quarantined in the OKC arena, league sources tell ESPN. This is following Rudy Gobert testing positive for the coronavirus.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 12, 2020

Players from both teams were on the court and ready to play before the game was postponed.

.@royceyoung reports that the Thunder-Jazz game was seconds away from tipping off when the Thunder's head medical staffer sprinted onto the floor to talk to referees in Oklahoma City.

At that point, players and staff were sent back to their respective locker rooms. pic.twitter.com/WsSOU09kVP

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 12, 2020