Expired June 21, 2021 4:45 AM
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March 11, 2020 has been called the day that changed everything. COVID-19 was officially declared a global pandemic, the world was in the early stages of trying to understand what was upon us, and in Oklahoma City, the Thunder was about to play a basketball game. 

 

Just a few minutes prior to tipoff against the Utah Jazz, it was learned that a Jazz player tested positive for the virus. Fans were in their seats, players were on the floor and hearts were racing in anticipation of this late-season game with playoff implications. But basketball gave way to health and safety as the NBA postponed the game, and that same night put the entire season on hold. It set the stage for a global shutdown of sports and entertainment. Downtown Oklahoma City became the epicenter of it all. 

 

“Pause the Game” chronicles that historic day and night through the eyes of those who were there, watching, worrying, learning, planning and making the decisions. 

 

The newest documentary from OKCThunder Films includes interviews with Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett, Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti and members of his staff, Thunder players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, and Tony Bradley, Thunder broadcasters, fans and others who were engulfed in this night of tension, emotion and quick-thinking. 

 

The film includes the first interview about the night from Thunder Vice President of Human and Player Performance, Dr. Donnie Strack, the “guy in the suit” who sprinted to the floor minutes before tipoff to inform the referees that the game had to be paused due to the positive test. 

 

OKCThunder Films is a collaboration between the Thunder’s Broadcasting and Basketball Communications departments. It strives to bring to life the stories and experiences of the people who make up the Oklahoma City Thunder.

 

Pause the Game is the fourth OKCThunder Films offering to premiere at deadCenter. Previous films include “The Everyday Saint,” “Growing Up George” and “Mr. Thunder.” Other projects include “¡Si Señor!” and “The Kiwi Way.” They can be viewed at okcthunderfilms.com

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    24 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Michael Zubach
  • Producer
    Nick Gallo
  • Executive Producer
    Dan Mahoney, Matt Tumbleson
  • Cinematographer
    Michael Zubach
  • Editor
    Michael Zubach