The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly protesting Game 5 of their playoff game in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake. As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews Game 5 will not be played today in response to Blake’s shooting in the back seven times by the police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
The Bucks players made this decision in the wake of the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin, ultimately deciding that they wouldn't leave the locker room for the start of Game 5 against Orlando. https://t.co/COJ6E0aJLj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 26, 2020
The Orlando magic have left the court with 3:56 left until game time. https://t.co/qEwjaQGQVc
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 26, 2020
Game balls are being put away, as the Bucks decide to boycott game 5 against the Magic. pic.twitter.com/Cy32q2CJH7
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 26, 2020
The Bucks-Magic protest is intended to bring light to incidents of police brutality against African Americans and people of color. The NBA and NBPA have placed a major emphasis on social justice during the NBA’s restart, including placing the words “Black Lives Matter” on the court for the entirety of the playoffs.
Marc Spears of The Undefeated had the following statement from Bucks guard George Hill on his team’s decision to not play Game 5:
Bucks guard George Hill says to @TheUndefeated his team is not playing against Orlando tonight in light of shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisc. “We’re tired of the killings and the injustice,” Hill to @TheUndefeated.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 26, 2020
