In the conclusion of one of the most high-profile court cases in recent American history, a Minneapolis jury has found former police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. While the case was a touchstone for social activists around the country because of the disturbing video that documented Floyd's murder, it also served to galvanize stars around the NBA to support movements aimed a rectifying racial injustice and police brutality.

With the announcement that Chauvin had been found guilty on all three counts leveled against him–and could face up to 40 years in prison because of it-stars around the league were quick to react to a verdict that many hope represents a turning point in the fight for equality.

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In addition to the outpouring of support from players for the decision that the jury reached in the case, the league office and NBA player's association also released a joint statement hailing the moment for its significance.

“George Floyd's murder was a flashpoint for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have been served” the statement read, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. “But we also recognize that there is much work to be done, and the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly-formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing.”

Amid the reactions from players and the league, however, it may have been Jamal Crawford that best summarized the collective anxiety that characterized the lead-up to the verdict.

Because of George Floyd, perhaps we can start to breathe again.