Horsham's Shaun Bruce to play NBL grand final in front of an empty stadium

Shaun Bruce and the Sydney Kings leveled the NBL grand final series against the Perth Wildcats at 1-1, with victory in an empty stadium on Friday night.

Bruce played 11 minutes, had five points, one rebound and one assist in the Kings' crucial 83-97 victory.

The result however may have been overshadowed by the unique circumstances of the match, as the arena was closed to the general public due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Game three will be played on Friday, March 20.

Earlier, Friday, March 14, 5.00pm: Horsham product Shaun Bruce will feature in one of the most unique and memorable nights in National Basketball League history.

The Sydney Kings and the Perth Wildcats will play game two of their grand final series in an empty stadium on Friday night, after the federal government advised against "non-essential" public gatherings of more than 500 people.

The NBL confirmed a decision to play the match with no crowd on Friday afternoon.

"After consultation with local, state and federal authorities as well as our clubs, we have made a decision that the remainder of the Hungry Jack's NBL grand final series ... will be closed to the general public," NBL owner and executive chairman Larry Kestelman said in a statement.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and follow all protocols as outlined by the relevant authorities. In the event of a player, staff member or official testing positive to coronavirus we will immediately suspend the series.

"The health and well-being of our players, staff, officials and fans is paramount."

It comes after the Melbourne Grand Prix was cancelled on Friday morning, and the NBA - the world's premier basketball in the United States - was suspended indefinitely on Thursday afternoon.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised against "non-essential" public gatherings of more than 500 people, to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

He labelled things like school, work and "getting about your normal business" as essential activities.

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