‘A sad day’: NBA reacts to Capitol protest, Blake decision

MIAMI » With words and actions, several NBA teams showed dismay Wednesday hours after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump was able to storm the U.S. Capitol and in response to a decision by a Wisconsin prosecutor not to charge a police officer who shot a Black man last year.

In Miami, the Heat and Celtics released a joint statement saying they were playing “with a heavy heart” in a game where most players and coaches knelt for the national anthem. In Milwaukee, the Bucks and Pistons both took turnovers on their first possessions — intentionally, with all 10 players on the court kneeling.

“It’s an embarrassing and shameful day in our country,” New Orleans coach Stan Van Gundy said.

Wednesday’s events came one day after the decision to not to bring charges against the officer who shot Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin last year was announced.

The joint Heat-Celtics statement said, in part: “2021 is a new year, but some things have not changed. We play tonight’s game with a heavy heart after yesterday’s decision in Kenosha, and knowing that protesters in our nation’s capital are treated differently by political leaders depending on what side of certain issues they are on.”

Sixers coach Doc Rivers spoke of the stark difference between rallies across America last summer that often included violent skirmishes between protesters and police and what he watched Wednesday.

“The symbolism of storming the Capitol without force done to them, if you’re a Black American, it definitely touches you in a different way,” Rivers said. “This is not a Black thing. This is an American thing.”

Fultz tears ACL

ORLANDO, FLA. » Former top overall draft pick Markelle Fultz suffered a season-ending tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Orlando Magic’s 105-94 win over Cleveland.

Fultz was driving to the basket less than five minutes into the game when he was cut off by Isaac Okoro and his left knee buckled without contact. He came in averaging a career-best 14.3 points. KNICKS 112, JAZZ 100 » Austin Rivers scored 23 points, and Julius Randle had 30 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists for New York. HORNETS 102, HAWKS 94 » Gordon Hayward’s careerhigh 44 points helped Charlotte rally.

PACERS 114, ROCKETS 107 » Malcolm Brogdon scored a career-high 35 points and made the go-ahead 3 with 2:22 to go.