N.B.A. Suspends Season After Player Tests Positive for Coronavirus

In October, the league became embroiled in controversy after an executive for the Houston Rockets tweeted a message supportive of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protests, just as the Lakers and the Nets were staging exhibitions in China. In January, David Stern, the former commissioner of the N.B.A. and one of its most influential figures, died several weeks after having a brain hemorrhage. Then, more tragedy: Kobe Bryant, the iconic player Lakers guard, was among nine people killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles on Jan. 26. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, a budding basketball star in her own right, was among the victims.

Now the conclusion of this unusual season is in doubt. With the Warriors on a sabbatical from their run of dominance because of injuries, the Lakers and the Clippers have appeared primed to fill the void as championship contenders, along with the Milwaukee Bucks, who are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player Award winner. The playoffs were set to begin on April 18.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/11/sports/basketball/nba-season-postponed-coronavirus.html