The Memphis Grizzlies experienced a special preseason opening night after defeating the current NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks 87-77 after suspending their exhibition game at the FedExForum after three quarters, where a fire alarm, which forced his evacuation.
At the time of the delay, the Grizzlies led 87-77 in the first preseason game for both teams. and that marker was the one that was officially counted as the competition could not be resumed.
Authorities said the problem was a false alarm caused by a sprinkler in a non-public area. The delay was a little over an hour after the alarm sounded and the game was canceled.
“With the extended delay, the league, in consultation with the Bucks and Grizzlies, has decided not to complete the game in the interest of player safety,” the NBA announced.
All the fans were removed from the building when the alarm sounded as field workers tried to determine the origin of what happened.
At one point, shortly after the teams left the court, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer crossed the court with his suitcase in tow. Slowly, other Bucks players and staff, some with trays of food that are delivered after games are over, left the building.
Although the team waited until the official word before leaving, it was questionable after the significant delay whether the teams would return given how long it would take the players to prepare for another 12 minutes of basketball.
“Tonight was a unique experience,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “No one could have foreshadowed that that would have happened. Great collaboration between both teams and the league. A lot of dialogue. And it was definitely unique.” / EFE
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