Medical emergency delays Spurs-Grizzlies tipoff

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Officials delayed the start of Monday’s game between the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies after a medical emergency occurred courtside as the teams were set for tipoff.

Emergency medical personnel quickly rushed to the aid of a man who had fallen ill in a courtside seat. The medical personnel administered CPR as a group of medics wheeled a gurney across the court.

After several minutes, medical personnel took the man off the court on the gurney as fans inside the FedEx Forum cheered for a healthy recovery.

Game officials approached the scorer’s table and announced the players would get an additional 20 minutes to warm up as both teams had returned to their respective locker rooms to await a restart.

Officials began the game after a 20-minute delay.

A Grizzlies spokesperson said in a statement, “We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the individual involved and are thankful to the first responders and medical staff who provided the necessary care.”