The Milwaukee Bucks opted to boycott Wednesday's Game 5 against the Orlando Magic in protest of the recent police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis.
The Bucks players made this decision in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin, ultimately deciding that they wouldn't leave the locker room for the start of Game 5 against Orlando. https://t.co/COJ6E0aJLj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
The Bucks did not emerge from the locker room prior to the scheduled game time. While the Magic were initially on the floor warming up, they, too, returned to the locker room with less than four minutes remaining before tip-off.
Shortly after the Bucks' intentions became clear, the Rockets and Thunder -- scheduled to play Game 5 of their first-round series Wednesday evening -- announced that they will also boycott the contest.
Decision made. Thunder and Rockets are boycotting Game 5, sources said. https://t.co/SCNAjsQYea
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
The final game Wednesday night -- Game 5 between the Lakers and Trail Blazers -- will also be boycotted by both teams.
The Lakers and Trail Blazers are sitting Game 5 of series, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
All three NBA games will not be played as players sit in wake of Jacob Blake shooting.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
Minutes after the decision from Portland and Los Angeles, the NBA announced the official postponement of all three of Wednesday's games.
All games are postponed, and Game 5 of each series will be rescheduled, NBA says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
Three games are currently scheduled for Thursday, including Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Celtics and Raptors. At this time, it's unclear if any of those games will ultimately be played.
Players in the Orlando bubble will meet Wednesday night to determine their course of action.
NBA players have called for a meeting tonight in Orlando to determine next steps, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
While Bobby Marks of ESPN notes that a team's failure to show up for a game results in an automatic forfeit, this is an unprecedented situation, so whether that rule is enforced remains to be seen. The Magic have already stated that they will not accept Milwaukee's forfeiture of Wednesday's Game 5. Furthermore, the league moving to postpone Wednesday's games could supersede Milwaukee's forfeiture.
Bucks players are in locker room attempting to reach the attorney general of Wisconsin, Josh Kaul, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Magic players are leaving the arena soon -- not accepting the Bucks' forfeit.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020
A number of star players around the league, including Bam Adebayo, LaMarcus Aldridge, Donovan Mitchell, and Jamal Murray, have offered their support on social media.
Respect! ✊🏾
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) August 26, 2020
WE DEMAND JUSTICE!!!
— Jamal Murray (@BeMore27) August 26, 2020
WE DEMAND CHANGE! SALUTE @Bucks ✊🏾🙏🏾🗣
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) August 26, 2020
SALUTE ✊🏾 @Bucks
— 13am Adebayo💥 (@Bam1of1) August 26, 2020
