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After meeting on Thursday morning to discuss the status of the playoffs, NBA players decided to move forward with the season following the decision by the Milwaukee Bucks to boycott Game 5 on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The Bucks collectively opted against playing in order to condemn racism and police brutality following the shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The team used the opportunity to speak with Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes to discuss potential actions against the officers involved in the shooting.
The remaining players at the Walt Disney World Resort met Thursday morning and collectively agreed to find new ways to make social justice statements. The players have worn different social justice messages on their jerseys during the season restart but some have felt those words have lost meaning as teams advance further into the playoffs.
The NBA's players have decided to resume the playoffs, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 27, 2020
Players have reportedly discussed the importance of putting into a place a plan of action regarding voting and police reform. They have also demanded more action from team owners from around the league to help influence change across the United States.
The NBA Board of Governors also met on Thursday to discuss their options on moving forward with the season and the steps they can take to help institute changes of a government level. The Board of Governors will also meet with the players on Thursday.
The three playoff games on Wednesday were all postponed by the NBA while the three games scheduled to tip-off on Thursday will also be postponed. The players will continue to discuss their options with resuming playoff games, which could come as soon as Friday.
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