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 initially 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 45-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."
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was limited in his comments after the game, citing privacy matters, but said the organization is "hoping for the best."
"Our team, our organization, have sent out a lot of prayers to him, to his family, and as we get further updates, we're hopeful that it trends in a good direction," Jenkins added.
After the game, which the Grizzlies won 128-109, several players said the situation affected them as they returned to the court.
"My energy was kind of shifted by it a little bit," said Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, who started at forward. "I started the game real slow. My mind was all over the place. That was the first time that has ever happened to me, especially in a basketball environment."
"We had a great prayer led by GG [Jackson]," Memphis guard Ja Morant said. "Then we were back here hoping for the best. Praying for the best."
Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson said everyone was very understanding given the situation. He said the teams went back to their respective locker rooms to give first responders "time and space."
Johnson said he was not sure if there was ever a consideration to cancel the game.
"At some point, the medical situation is the priority, so I'm sure there were a lot of conversation," he said. "We were just playing a waiting game and waiting for them to tell us what they thought was most appropriate."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.