Story perspectives

NBA Pauses Semifinal, Honors Clarke, Collins

5/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The NBA halted a semifinal game to memorialize Brandon Clarke, found dead in Los Angeles on May 11, and Jason Collins, who died of glioblastoma on May 12.
Los Angeles authorities are investigating Clarke’s death as an overdose after drug paraphernalia were found.
Adam Silver and Memphis Grizzlies praised Clarke’s leadership while the Spurs and Timberwolves observed a moment of silence, as Collins received the Bill Walton Global Champion Award posthumously.

History

Historical Context

After Kobe Bryant’s helicopter crash on Jan 26 2020, NBA commissioner Adam Silver halted the schedule and the league held a memorial, echoing the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing postponement. The Lakers and about 2,000 fans gathered at Staples Center, while teams began games with intentional 24-second shot-clock or 8-second violations to honor his #8 and #24, the numbers he wore for five championships.

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Story summary

The NBA halted a semifinal game to memorialize Brandon Clarke, found dead in Los Angeles on May 11, and Jason Collins, who died of glioblastoma on May 12.
Los Angeles authorities are investigating Clarke’s death as an overdose after drug paraphernalia were found.
Adam Silver and Memphis Grizzlies praised Clarke’s leadership while the Spurs and Timberwolves observed a moment of silence, as Collins received the Bill Walton Global Champion Award posthumously.

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