Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers players say it was “tough” to return to NBA action as wildfires continue.
Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers players said they found it “tough” as they returned to NBA action with wildfires in the city ongoing.
Two Lakers games and one Clippers match were postponed but Monday’s contests went ahead and both teams dedicated the night to the community and emergency services.
The Lakers lost 126-102 to the San Antonio Spurs while the Clippers beat the Miami Heat 109-98.
Fire crews in the Los Angeles area are still battling two large blazes, with fears of new outbreaks as a result of forecasted high winds.
At least 24 people have died in the fires and 23 others are missing. More than 90,000 people remain under evacuation orders while Lakers coach JJ Redick is among those who lost their house in Palisades.
Lakers forward Anthony Davis had mixed emotions after finishing with 30 points and 13 rebounds as his side lost for the third game in a row.
“We were eager to play basketball again in front of our fans. It sucks that we weren’t able to get to win,” said the 31-year-old.
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot. We come out and play and whether we win, lose or draw, this game is over and everything’s still going on in the world.
“So, [it’s] bittersweet in a sense because we still have people who are dealing with real-life situations. And we get to go out and play basketball. So it’s tough.”
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Clippers players wore t-shirts saying ‘LA Strong’ before their game in Inglewood and LA native James Harden scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half as they came from five down at the break to win.
“We’re going through some tough times right now,” he said. “Something we’ve never seen before. So it’s very, very powerful for us to stand together. As one we can stand together and get through it.”
Team-mate Norman Powell, who finished with 29 points, added: “They are losing everything and you’re focused on basketball.
“It’s a tough thing to focus on like it’s normal. You’re in this city where there are tragedies and fires going on. But we’ve got a job at hand, they cleared us to play, so you’ve got to focus on that.”
Kawhi Leonard returned for the Clippers after missing Wednesday’s game against Denver to return to Los Angeles, where his family live in one of the most affected areas, Pacific Palisades.
The 33-year-old said he had tried “to get the family in order, making sure that everybody is settled, and everyone is safe”.
