Author: Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina, USA TODAY

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had minutes to make a decision that would not just alter the sports calendar but signal the enormity of COVID’s impact.

Damian Lillard is an easy choice, but some players who are having All-Star seasons won’t be named to the team because it becomes a numbers crunch.

Sixers coach Doc Rivers and Wizards coach Scott Brooks lamented the storming of the Capitol on Wednesday ahead of their NBA game in Philadelphia.

From the arrival of the coronavirus through months of play in a bubble, the NBA trusted science, medicine and data in completing its season.

Gordon Hayward and Fred VanVleet were among the winners along with a few NBA teams who made moves to improve rosters immediately as free agency began.

As NBA free agency began, the Lakers put themselves in a position to repeat by acquiring Montrezl Harrell, while Gordon Hayward’s move was a surprise.

NBA free agency officially begins Friday at 6 p.m. ET, and it’s expected to be hectic, with a quick turnaround before the start of the regular season.

After free agency opened Friday, things were busy again Saturday. Rajon Rondo joined the Hawks, and Serge Ibaka agreed with the Clippers.

Lou Williams had an excused absence, but a trip to the Magic City club in Atlanta could see the Clippers guard in quarantine for up to 14 days.