Here is what we know about the NBA restart after Wednesday’s postponed playoff games
On Wednesday, the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks decided not to play Game 5 of their first-round series against Orlando in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, 40 miles south of Milwaukee.
The following two games scheduled for Wednesday — Oklahoma City-Houston and LA Lakers-Portland — also were not played.
The Bucks called for “justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable. For this to occur, it is imperative for the Wisconsin State Legislature to reconvene after months of inaction and take up meaningful measures to address issues of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform. We encourage all citizens to educate themselves, take peaceful and responsible action, and remember to vote on Nov. 3.” Here is an inside look at how the Bucks came to the decision to not play Wednesday.
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What we know about the remainder of the NBA restart:
Is the season still on?
Will Thursday’s games be played?
It is unlikely Denver-Utah, Boston-Toronto and LA Clippers-Dallas play their scheduled games after an emotional day on Wednesday, which included a meeting with players that last 2½ hours.
What happened at the meeting?
Players — and some coaches — spoke with a contingent of players preferring to finish the season and some players thinking it would be best to leave the bubble and not play any more games. But there was no consensus.
What’s next for the players?
They plan to meet again Thursday morning.
What’s the NBA response?
The league would like to finish the season, but it also understands the players’ anger, frustration and sadness. League owners have an 11 a.m. ET meeting scheduled for Thursday.
What do players have to gain?
They would like to see racial equality, police accountability and an end to police brutality.
What do players have to lose?
There is a financial component to this, and National Basketball Players Association leaders have been apprised of the short- and long-term ramifications of not finishing this season and playing without fans next season.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt.
