Today in 2020, the NBA Shut Down for COVID-19, and Everything Changed

Six years ago tonight, the full gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent when the NBA suspended play. The decision, made after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus, triggered similar moves from college and professional leagues and set the stage for the full shutdown of American society.

"Sports have always been an important part of American culture," said Dr. Vivek Murthy, a former U.S. surgeon general, to ESPN at the time. "And when the NBA suspended its season...