Tip-off between the Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs was delayed Monday night after a fan in the stands collapsed and experienced a medical emergency.
The incident took place prior to the scheduled 7 p.m. CT time tip in Memphis. Emergency medical responders took to the court with a stretcher and administered CPR to the fan at courtside, according to the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Grizzlies players and coaches gathered in a prayer circle near their bench as the fan received medical treatment.
Emergency responders took the fan off the court on a stretcher. Per the FanDuel Sports Network broadcast, the fan was transported from FedEx Forum in an ambulance.
The nature of the medical emergency and the fan’s condition weren’t initially clear. A statement from the Grizzlies offered few details.
“Just prior to the start of tonight’s game, a fan sitting courtside suffered a medical emergency,” a Grizzlies spokesperson said, via 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. The start of the game commenced after a delay.”
Players paused their warmups and went to their respective locker rooms in the aftermath of the incident. They returned to the court with 15 minutes remaining on the warmup clock and eventually tipped off at 7:50 CT following a roughly 50-minute delay.
The Grizzlies won the game, 129-109.
