NEW YORK (AP/TEGNA) — The NBA is suspending its season after Wednesday night’s games until further notice because of coronavirus concerns.
The AP also reported that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has tested positive for coronavirus. The league postponed Wednesday's game between the Jazz and Thunder in Oklahoma City.
The league issued the following statement to announce the decision:
"The NBA announced that a player on the Utah Jazz has preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. At that time, tonight’s game was canceled. The affected player was not in the arena.
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."
Later Wednesday, the Jazz issued a statement about Gobert's diagnosis, without naming him specifically:
"This morning a player on the Utah Jazz tested negative for influenza, strep throat and an upper respiratory infection. The individual’s symptoms diminished over the course of today, however, in a precautionary measure, and in consultation and cooperation with NBA medical staff and Oklahoma health officials, the decision was made to test for COVID-19."
The team said the positive result came back just before the scheduled tip-off.
The Indiana Pacers issued a statement about the suspension of play just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. The team called the news "unexpected," and said they are working to "provide information to our fans who have tickets for upcoming Pacers home games."
Manwhile, Pacers players reacted to the league's announcement on social media:
