At 5 a.m. Wednesday, Clippers ahead Nicolas Batum discovered his household must evacuate their Tarzana dwelling as a result of the Palisades fireplace had moved that course. Batum was with the Clippers in Denver for a recreation that evening, however he was continuously checking his cellphone and speaking to his spouse and two youngsters.
Taking part in the Nuggets was the very last thing on his thoughts on the time. All he might take into consideration was the security of his household and people affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles County.
“I wished to go dwelling,” Batum stated after Sunday’s observe. “However I used to be instructed that all the pieces could be wonderful for my household. For now, we’re fortunate to be protected. … I hope it stays that manner.”
His teammate, Kawhi Leonardnevertheless, returned to his dwelling in Pacific Palisades on Tuesday to be along with his household.
Since so many individuals misplaced their houses within the Pacific Palisades space, Clippers coach Tyron Lue We requested if there was any information from Leonard’s home.
“It is advisable to discuss to him about it,” Lue stated.
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Lue stated Leonard “has been good. Troublesome scenario for him, the issues he needed to undergo along with his household and his scenario at dwelling. We’re right here to help him, not solely Kawhi however everybody locally that we have to assist. We are going to assist and help.
Leonard was at observe Sunday, however he was not among the many gamers the Clippers made obtainable throughout media availability.
Lue stated different members of the Clippers’ help workers and group have been affected by the fires.
“I do know Kawhi left the crew for that [Denver] recreation to examine on him,” teammate Terance Mann stated. “However we haven’t actually heard from him. So it is good to see that he and his household are doing nicely.
After the NBA postponed the Clippers recreation towards Charlotte Saturday evening, resulting from wildfires, Los Angeles nonetheless has to face the Miami Warmth on Monday evening on the Intuit Dome.
Lue stated the query of whether or not or not the Clippers ought to play the sport towards the Warmth was “above my pay grade.”
“I feel the NBA has a very good deal with on issues and what is going on on and what we have to do,” Lue stated. “So after they decide, we’re all concerned. They know we’re going by way of a troublesome time proper now, the state of California. They perceive that, and so, I hope we are able to deliver some kind of pleasure when the sport comes again tomorrow, a little bit of togetherness, attempt to put a little bit of a smile on individuals’s faces in tough instances.
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The Clippers, who had misplaced 4 of their final 5 video games, haven’t performed since Wednesday in Denver.
“On the finish of the day, we’re execs,” Batum stated. “We’ve a recreation to play. We’ve to win so we’ve got to get again to it. We had two good practices within the final two days. On the basketball aspect, we’ve got misplaced 4 of the final 5 matches so we want a victory tomorrow. We’ve a house stretch that we’ve got to maintain, so it should be a giant recreation towards Miami tomorrow, so we’ve got to give attention to that and attempt to win the sport.
Lue stated the Clippers plan to do their half to assist the neighborhood.
Mann stated he would additionally do his half.
“I simply wish to donate a whole lot of garments, cash, sneakers, something I can,” Mann stated. “No matter individuals need assistance with, I’m going to look into doing it now.” I really simply texted my individuals. They’ll meet, we will go to considered one of my warehouses, get a bunch of stuff and go someplace.
This story was initially printed in Los Angeles Occasions.
