Thunder Vote to Continue Playing

The Oklahoma City Thunder has voted to continue playing this NBA season. Every other team in the bubble also would like to finish the playoffs.

This news comes courtesy of Shams Charina of the Athletic, Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix is reporting that The Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers have voted to end the NBA season. Lakers star Lebron James is said to have walked out of the meeting with his teammates and the Clippers following behind him.

Sources: Every team besides Lakers and Clippers voted to continue playing. LeBron James said in meeting he want owners to be more involved/take action.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2020

ESPN Adrain Wojnarowski reports that the vote was considered to be more about polling than an official decision being made. Wojnarowski is also saying the resumption of the playoffs is "up in the air."

Told the players’ meeting ended "ugly," per a source, with uncertainty about what will happen tomorrow. The union will be present at the special Board of Governors meeting, per a source.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 27, 2020

There will be more discussions about the postseason on Thursday, and the three games scheduled for tomorrow are unlikely to be played. The meeting was led by Thunder guard Chris Paul (NBAPA President) and the Heat's Andre Iguodala.

The meeting is 11 AM -- coinciding with the timing of the NBA's Board of Governors call, per sources. https://t.co/U8NnY4QMPb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 27, 2020

Many topics were discussed, including the fallout from not finishing the season, which could include a lockout for next year. Clippers head coach Doc Rivers spoke about holding police more accountable for their actions, voting, and players using their platform.

The Thunder released a statement on Wednesday saying.

"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."

One clear thing is that James and other players do not feel their voices are having the desired effect in seeking justice for those who killed Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. James has also recently helped start a group amid at protecting Black voting rights.

Owners have been fully supportive of players decisions today. But expect there to be reminders to union officials in the coming hours: If the season is stopped short, there will be significant financial ramifications.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) August 27, 2020

He recently told the New York Times, "We're going to give you the background of how to vote and what they're trying to do, the other side, to stop you from voting."

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With more than 20 years of experience hosting local and national radio shows, Erik Gee is a fixture of Oklahoma sports media. He has covered the Oklahoma City Thunder for the past six seasons. He is also the co-host of the Pat Jones show on 97.1 The Sports Animal in Tulsa.

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