Though the scheduled NBA games went on, the spectacle of Friday night’s terrorist attacks on Paris was evident from almost any angle.
Security was increased at all NBA arenas after attackers targeted six sites on Friday night in Paris, leading to at least 128 deaths and many more injuries. ISIS claimed responsibility for the violence, which was the worst witnessed in France since World War II. President Francois Hollande referred to it as “an act of war.”
For players and coaches, the NBA’s increasing globalization means that more personnel than ever find themselves with close ties to the international community. Here’s a sampling of the league’s response, including several players from France and others from nearby nations in Europe:
Prayers for the victims, families, and people of France affected by this horrible Tradgedy. #WeAreWithYouParis
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) November 14, 2015
My thoughts go to the victims & families. #why #stopthisnonsense #PrayersForParis pic.twitter.com/7je0HudAfy
— jose manuel calderon (@JmCalderon3) November 14, 2015
I could not even sleep #paris When life become a movie…#iamparis this is sad how some people don’t respect life We got to be strong ????????????
— kslife (@kevin_seraphin) November 14, 2015
Still in shock after the brutal attack on so many innocent people! #PrayersForParis #ParisAttacks
— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) November 14, 2015
Pensée à tout le monde en France et aux familles des victimes… Stay Strong Paris ???????? pic.twitter.com/A2LHCnQG0q
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) November 14, 2015
Prayers to Paris so sad what happen to the city of love! Our prayers goes out to the victims & there… https://t.co/KzkJnwe7D2
— Kenneth Faried (@KennethFaried35) November 14, 2015
Great home win… Now focus on this back to back.. But honestly my thoughts go to Paris and France..… https://t.co/jMFi8kUlL7
— danilo gallinari (@gallinari8888) November 14, 2015
Pray for Paris. Pray for Peace.
— Zaza Pachulia (@zaza27) November 14, 2015
Reminded once again amongst tragedy how blessed I am. Lifting up Paris before I lay my head to sleep this night.
— James Michael McAdoo (@jamesmcadoo) November 14, 2015
Good win tonight against the Hornets even though my heart is with all the victims of the attacks in… https://t.co/7ARYD5Zue4
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 14, 2015
Spread Love .. It’s the only way #PrayForParis
— Maurice Harkless (@moe_harkless) November 14, 2015
Such a sad day for Paris. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. #prayforparis https://t.co/Y7rm1C7mHO
— Jason Smith (@JasonSmith014) November 14, 2015
This world is filled with hate…spread the love and live everyday like it’s your last. Express love… https://t.co/PzC03NRCrx
— Iman Shumpert I (@imanshumpert) November 14, 2015
Money, Power, Religion, the 3 reasons why this world will never be at peace.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) November 14, 2015
— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) November 14, 2015
Sad about what happened in Paris…there is no place for horrible stuff like that in this world… #PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/Z7yRQjJWQA
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) November 14, 2015
???????? ????????
— Tiago Splitter (@tiagosplitter) November 14, 2015
#PrayForParis ???????????????? https://t.co/k9Fu1MbGSI
— Taj Gibson (@TajGibson22) November 14, 2015
Thoughts & prayers to the murder victims by the cowards in France. Will our leaders do what is needed?Weakness invites more carnage.
— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) November 14, 2015
Hard to play while thinking about what happened today in Paris.. My heart goes out to my country, the victims & their families #prayforparis
— Ian Mahinmi (@ianmahinmi) November 14, 2015
Sometimes winning a basketball game means nothing… so so sad man… all these innocent people… #prayforparis
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) November 14, 2015
#PrayForParis https://t.co/CU4sRanaSp
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) November 14, 2015
Man these terrorist crimes are sad. These types of acts can happen at anytime. Please pray for the families who’s loved ones have been taken
— Drew Gooden III (@DrewGooden) November 14, 2015
Praying for the people of Paris. My heart goes out to the people there and the families who have lost a loved one. So sad and senseless!
— Austin Rivers (@AustinRivers25) November 14, 2015
Lift up our prayers for Paris.
— Landry Fields (@landryfields) November 14, 2015
Praying for Paris. #peace
— Shaun Livingston (@ShaunLivingston) November 14, 2015
#PrayForParis pic.twitter.com/Q86mJMh3ua
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) November 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with all the people in Paris. Todo mi apoyo a toda la gente de París. #PrayForParis #JeSuisParis
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) November 13, 2015
This whole world is bugged…Prayers out to the victims and their family. Thinking about my Paris people too #stopthekillings #PrayforParis
— Luc Mbah a Moute (@mbahamoute) November 13, 2015
My prayers are with all those affected by the attacks in #Paris .Terrorism knows no belief systems, and I condemn these horrific atrocities.
— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) November 13, 2015
Wow this Paris news is devastating……
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) November 13, 2015
As I get ready for my game I can’t help but to think of the tragedy in Paris! My God what’s up with people. Prayers sent to all the familes!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 13, 2015
The final death toll from the attacks is expected to fluctuate in the days ahead as the events come more into focus and French authorities continue their investigation.
Ben DuBose is a veteran sports reporter who has followed the Houston Rockets and the NBA since Hakeem Olajuwon was Akeem Olajuwon. He writes for both SheridanHoops and ClutchFans, an independent Rockets blog. You can follow him on Twitter.