Morey's tweet drew rebukes from the Chinese, and several Chinese businesses suspended operations with the Rockets. On Tuesday, CCTV, which is part of China's state-run TV service, said they would cease broadcasting playoff games because "we believe any remarks that challenge national sovereignty and social stability do not belong to the category of free speech."

After a disastrous initial response from the NBA that tried to placate China -- a massive consumer of the NBA and its related merchandise, etc. -- Commissioner Adam Silver made clear that the league stands behind the right of Morey and its players to express their own opinions. "We are not apologizing for Daryl exercising his freedom of expression," Silver said in Tokyo on Tuesday , adding: "I do know there are consequences from freedom of speech; we will have to live with those consequences. For those who question our motivation, this is about far more than growing our business."