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Report: Kings intended to play Wednesday after other coronavirus cancellations

Kings-Pelicans

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Fans leave the building after the Sacramento King game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed due to the corona virus at Golden 1 Center on March 11, 2020 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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Courtney Kirkland refereed the Jazz’s loss to the Raptors on Monday. Then, a player from that game – Utah center Rudy Gobert – tested positive for coronavirus Wednesday. The NBA quickly suspended its season, effective following Wednesday’s games. The announcement came before the Kings and Pelicans tipped off in Sacramento for a game scheduled to be reffed by… Courtney Kirkland.

It didn’t take a genius to see the Kings-Pelicans game should at least be postponed. It was eventually canceled.

Yet, the Kings apparently had another idea.

James Ham of NBC Sports California:

According to a league source, NBC Sports California learned that the Kings intended to play the game, but the Pelicans weren’t comfortable with referee Courtney Kirkland calling the game.

People have been busy painting certain other teams – Knicks, Pacers and Rockets – as the most irresponsible during this coronavirus outbreak.

The Kings seemingly entered themselves into the race.

It stinks to lose a home game, especially with everyone already in place. The financial considerations were significant.

But it so clearly wasn’t worth playing.

Don’t blame only the Kings, though. The NBA was ready to let this game happen. Good thing New Orleans expressed enough objection, giving the league time to come to its senses.