'Breaking my heart': NBL's massive call during grand final series
The final two games of the NBL's grand final series have been cancelled, with the league still to confirm if a winner will be crowned within the next 48 hours.
Defending champions Perth lead the best-of-five series 2-1 over minor premiers Sydney ahead of the intended game four in Perth on Friday, with the most recent two games played in empty stadiums due to the threat of coronavirus.
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The minor premiers informed the NBL they would not travel to Western Australia as planned on Wednesday and The NBL promptly cancelled the best-of-five series, with a decision on which team, if any, claims the trophy in the next 48 hours.
The Kings' decision came as Western Australian health experts called for a state border closure, the club confirming on Wednesday it was a move made with the "well-being of society" in mind.
The remaining games of the NBL Grand Final Series have been cancelled, with a decision on the outcome of the championship to be determined in the next 48 hours.
#NBL20 has been, and will always be remembered as incredible. We'll be back, bigger and better in #NBL21 pic.twitter.com/qEvpniTGiP— NBL (@NBL) March 17, 2020
"Not to be flippant, but it couldn't matter less to us in the scheme of things," Weaver said when asked about the process of deciding a champion.
"The relevance of the competition is so greatly diminished by this.
"Personally I would be willing to risk a lot to have the chance to compete and win the championship and know that's the view of any of our players.
"But I'm proud that the decision was made to reflect the fact our competitive desires are well and truly secondary."
All three games of the final series have gone the way of the visiting team, with the last two played in empty stadiums.
“We respect the decision in what are extraordinary times for everyone,” NBL owner and Executive Chairman, Larry Kestelman, said.
This is 100 per cent the right move despite it breaking my heart that this brilliant season ends so sadly.
Lives and families matter more than sport. #NBL20 https://t.co/IHeIzOGn76— Roy Ward (@rpjward) March 17, 2020
For mine this decision means you can’t crown a champion of #NBL20
Yes Perth we’re leading 2-1 but it was scheduled to be a best of 5 series & that series wasn’t completed.
On the other hand the NBL isn’t a first past the post league so you can’t crown the Kings champs either https://t.co/0PAOjGJKyR— Liam Flanagan (@ljflannas) March 17, 2020
Leadership requires tough decisions from time to time
None tougher than today’s announcement
Sensible decision under the circumstances
Well done Larry, @JeremyLoeliger @nick_nbl
This @NBL season was a blast 🏀#NBL20— Anthony Moore (@AnthonyMoore) March 17, 2020
“We are understanding of not just the players’ health and well being but also their desire to be with their families, especially given so many of them have family overseas.
“Having consulted with the Australian Basketball Players’ Association we have decided the remaining games shall not be played. With Perth leading the best of five game series 2-1, we will now consider a decision on the outcome of the championship over the next 48 hours.
“We acknowledge both teams for what has been a fantastic series and season. Sydney was the only team to have gone through an entire NBL season on top of the ladder and Perth was leading the Grand Final series.”
With AAP