The NBA has officially suspended its season due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The announcement was made by the league Wednesday evening after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert reportedly tested positive for the virus. Wednesday night's game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed shortly before tip-off.
Here's the NBA's official statement:
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.
Gobert and the Jazz faced off against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Friday and in Utah on Feb. 26. Gobert was on the court for 33 minutes in Friday's game and 35 minutes in their February matchup.
Earlier reports stated the NBA's Board of Governors were leaning toward continuing the season without fans in attendance. It's clear Gobert's positive test for coronavirus quickly led to the NBA's decision to put a halt to games altogether.