Coronavirus hits basketball fans, NBA season postponed

By BBN Staff: Basketball fans in Belize and around the world will be disappointed to learn that the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic currently spreading across the globe has now hit the basketball community, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the US effectively suspending its season amid the global crisis and one of its players, Utah Jazz forward, Rudy Gobert, testing positive in a preliminary test for the disease.

According to the NBA, the test result was reported shortly prior to tip-off of Wednesday’s game between the Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder. That game has been canceled although the affected player was not present at the arena.

The NBA says it is suspending game play following the conclusion of Wednesday’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.”

A report from USA Today said Gobert poked fun at the NBA’s new media policies on Monday that required reporters and cameramen to stay between six to eight feet away from coaches and players in sectioned-off areas. Following his morning shoot-around availability, Gobert touched all the microphones and recorders on the interview table. The NBA had sent out various advisories to teams stressing the needs to keep hands clean, avoiding handshakes and not rubbing hands on one’s face.

The spread of the virus and its growing concerns marks the second occasion this NBA season there has been any cancellation of games since the postponement of the Lakers-Clippers game following the death of basketball icon Kobe Bryant in January. At the time is was the first time in decades any game had been canceled.

Do you think the NBA will resume its season? What team do you believe was poised to win the season? Let us know in the comments!

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.