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.
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.
But the NBL on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the remaining games after the Kings expressed their reluctance to continue the series and fly to Perth as planned on Wednesday.
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READ NOW“We respect the decision in what are extraordinary times for everyone. 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,” NBL owner Larry Kestelman said.
“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.”
Sydney became the first team to lead the competition from the first to last regular-season round, but Perth had the answers in the grand final series and returned home with a chance to seal another championship on Friday.
It is a bizarre conclusion to arguably the league’s most successful season that, thanks to the performances of NBA hopefuls LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton and Didi Louzada ensuring record crowds both in stadiums and online.
“This has been an incredible season for the NBL and one of the best in our 41-year history with record attendances and world class basketball,” Kestelman said.
“We wish everyone around Australia and around the world all the very best and to stay safe during these challenging times.”
— AAP