Hustle finishes first in division after rest of season canceled
The remainder of the 2019-20 NBA G League season was canceled Thursday, leaving the first-place Memphis Hustle on the outside looking in when it came to competing for a championship.
When play was suspended March 12 because of the coronavirus, the Hustle had a 26-15 record and were 4.5 games up on second-place Sioux Falls in the Midwest Division.
The Grizzlies affiliate had eight regular-season games left on their schedule, which was originally set to run through March 28. The Hustle played home games at the Landers Center in Southaven.
The Hustle front office released this statement on Thursday night:
“The Memphis Hustle enjoyed tremendous success during the 2019-20 NBA G League season and we're proud of all the hard work that our coaches, players and staff put in this year. We wish it were feasible to finish out the season, but we understand that's not possible and are thankful that the NBA G League is acting in the best interest of all NBA G League teams and their fans.”
Earlier in the day, NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-rahim issued these comments:
“While canceling the remainder of our season weighs heavily on us, we recognize that it is the most appropriate action to take for our league. I extend my sincere gratitude to NBA G League players and coaches for giving their all to their teams and fans this season. And to our fans, I thank you and look forward to resuming play for the 2020-21 season.”
On Friday, Hustle coach Jason March tweeted: "A fun season with a GREAT group of guys!!" Memphis opened 10-0 and didn't lose until Dec. 7 against South Bay.
According to a release, the G League, over the next few weeks, will be annoucing its end-of-season award winners, including the Most Valuable Player, Dennis Johnson Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year.