Bizarre Scenes At NBA Arenas As Suspension News Spreads

Last night's Pelicans-Kings game at Golden 1 Center was "canceled prior to tipoff," as referee Courtney Kirkland was "on the crew" for a Jazz game earlier in the week (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 3/12). Tipoff was "moments away" when the Kings' PA announcer "informed spectators the game had been postponed." Loud boos then "filled Golden 1 Center" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 3/12). In a "stroke of luck," NBA Senior Dir of Basketball Communications Jim LaBumbard was in attendance and "worked hand-in-hand with the Kings and Pelicans to work through the situation" (NBCSPORTSBAYAREA.com, 3/11). 

At Nuggets-Mavericks in Dallas, news of the NBA's decision "spread throughout both benches" in the middle of the third quarter. Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban was "'stunned,' his jaw dropping while he leaned back in his seat, as he looked over a phone." He then "stood and told several people by the Mavericks' bench" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/12). Prior to the game, the Mavericks gave out small bottles of hand sanitizer to fans in attendance (Mult., 3/11).