Atlanta Hawks coaches, players say NBA made right move to suspend season

ATLANTA — The Atlanta Hawks coaches and players stand by the NBA’s decision to suspend the rest of the season in response to the coronavirus.

The league made the decision late Wednesday when it learned a Utah Jazz player tested positive.

The Hawks learned about the suspension in the middle of their game against the New York Knicks. The overtime loss marked possibly the final game they have played this season.

Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo attended the Hawks postgame conference. Head coach Lloyd Pierce and players Trae Young, Vince Carter and John Collins shared their thoughts on the league’s decision.

“I think everybody probably expected. When was really the biggest question. Obviously, health is the main concern for everyone. We’re not exempt from that,” Pierce said. “It’s the right move. I think fear when you start worrying about what’s happening or what could happen, that’s the wrong thing to do. Try to play games and try to bring people into the stadium.”

The Hawks will remain out of the facility Thursday and are waiting to hear more information from the league.

“Right now, we’re just not doing anything tomorrow, just staying at home,” guard Trae Young said. “Obviously, the league is going to be talking to our front office people constantly. For us, we’ve got to be on the lookout and just be ready to receive whatever message our people tell us. Just stay away as much as you can from public places, obviously. Wash your hands, things like that, so there’s obviously precautions.”

Hawks react to NBA decision to suspend season The NBA made the decision to suspend the season in response to the coronavirus.

If the NBA doesn’t return this season, Wednesday night could be the last time fans see legend Vince Carter on the court.

Carter announced at the beginning of the season he would retire following 22 seasons in the league.

“It’s a weird way to say I’m calling it a career. I technically have what I would consider eligibility, 15 games left. But if not, I’m one with it. It’s just weird as we were getting briefed on everything, I just sat there and was like ‘This is it.’ It ended like that.”

VC.

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