Wednesday, August 26th 2020, 3:55 pm
Game 5 of Wednesday's Western Conference first round series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets will not be played due to a boycott by both teams. The Thunder and Rockets were scheduled to play at 5:30 p.m from the NBA bubble in Orlando.
The news was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.
The boycott comes on the heels of the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic boycotting their Game 5 late Wednesday afternoon. Bucks-Magic was scheduled to tip at 3 p.m. central time.
The Bucks did not appear on the floor for pregame warmups in a form of protest against the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wis. earlier this week. The Magic were warming up before returning to their locker room.
WATCH: NBA Postpones Wednesday Playoff Games After Boycott
Charania reported another Game 5 would not be played on Wednesday. Players from the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers also decided to sit out in protest.
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association said Wednesday the games will be rescheduled.
The Oklahoma City Thunder released the following statement Wednesday:
The Thunder respects and supports our players peacefully bringing awareness to the critical issues happening in our country. Our organization will continue to work relentlessly to create meaningful change.
Blake, a Black man, was seen on video shot several times by a police officer. Kenosha is approximately 40 miles south of Milwaukee.
Related: Police In Wisconsin Shoot Black Man In Back Multiple Times, Sparking Protests
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