The Los Angeles Clippers will want to give their devastated city something to smile about when they host the in-form Miami Heat in Inglewood, Calif., on Monday night.
Los Angeles is currently experiencing the most destructive wildfires in the city’s recorded history, with at least 24 people killed and thousands of structures torched along with around 37,000 acres. At least 180,000 people are under evacuation orders.
The blazes forced the Clippers’ home fixture against Charlotte on Saturday to be postponed.
Los Angeles hasn’t played since being routed 126-103 in Denver last Wednesday.
Norman Powell impressed with 30 points, but Los Angeles largely underwhelmed at both ends, shooting just 37.5 percent from the floor and 28.9 percent (11 of 38) from 3-point territory, to the Nuggets’ 55.1 percent and 48.6 (17 of 35) percent.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, who made his long-awaited season debut last Saturday against Atlanta after recovering from a knee injury, missed the trip to Colorado to be with his family as they evacuated their Pacific Palisades home.
Leonard’s home is reportedly undamaged, but the two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, who has played only two games this season, is listed as day to day.
“You definitely have to take care of home,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.
“And so (Leonard) totally had my support, 100 percent. Going back, checking on his family and kids and making sure they’re well.
“And he got back, and they’re doing OK, so just happy and thankful for that.”
The Heat are preparing to stay in Los Angeles for the next few days, as they follow the Clippers game with a clash against the Lakers on Wednesday.
That will complete Miami’s six-game western swing, which has so far proven fruitful.
After a tough double-overtime loss in Sacramento, Miami has since peeled off road victories against Golden State, Utah and Portland.
Tyler Herro scored 32 points, including seven treys, and Nikola Jovic had 21 points as the Heat absorbed some bumps along the way before cruising home 119-98 over the Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
Herro’s thoughts and best wishes are with the Los Angeles people affected by the fires.
“My prayers are to the city, the community, everyone there that’s going through that,” he said. “That’s obviously tragic and very unfortunate for anyone in that area.”
Coach Erik Spoelstra echoed Herro’s sentiments.
“Our hearts and prayers are for everybody that’s managing the devastation,” he said. “I can’t even imagine having an entire community gone.
“You leave and you come back and it’s gone — so many people are affected by that.
“The game, if we can provide some inspiration and entertainment for the city, then that’s our obligation.”
Monday’s game will be the sixth of Jimmy Butler’s team-imposed seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team.”
Miami has thrived lately despite the six-time All-Star’s absence coupled with a tough away schedule.
“What we’ve been talking about this whole road trip is wrapping our minds and our spirits around this identity,” Spoelstra said.
“It (Portland) was our third straight game holding our opponent under 100, (which also) almost (happened) in the Sacramento game at the end of regulation.
“The guys are buying into that. You need that kind of competitiveness to win on the road.”
This is the first of two meetings this season. Los Angeles swept last season’s two matchups.
–Field Level Media
