NBA scraps Boston Celtics' final game after fatal marathon explosions

The match against Indiana, originally set for tonight, will not be rescheduled, while the NHL fixture between Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators has been moved to a later date.

Members of the San Antonio Spurs' squad observe a moment's silence for victims of the Boston Marathon explosions.
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The Boston Celtics' final home game of the season was scrapped last night after the explosions which killed three people and injured dozens more during the city's marathon.

The game had been due to be played at the Garden arena tonight, just blocks from the site of the deadly blasts on the finishing line of the race.

It would have been the season-ending game for Celtics, but after the explosions the NBA confirmed the match against Indiana Pacers had been cancelled and would not be rescheduled.

"The NBA expresses its sympathy to all those affected by the tragedy in Boston earlier today," the NBA said in statement.

The National Hockey League postponed its scheduled fixture between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators, which had been scheduled for last night at the Garden.

NHL officials said unlike the Celtics' contest, the Bruins' home game would be rescheduled at a later date.

"The National Hockey League wishes to express its sympathy to all affected by the tragic events that took place in Boston earlier this afternoon," the league said.

The Boston Red Sox's home game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday morning was not affected. The Red Sox had beaten the Rays 3-2 before the twin blasts caused chaos in the city.

Police presences were stepped up at sporting events across the US last night in response to the explosions in Boston, while NBA matches held a moment's silence for victims of the blasts.

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