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Gossip. It’s a norm in the locker room, on the court—even in the press box. Tonight, one petite sportswriter let curiosity get the best of her and overheard a juicy gab sesh.
(Game highlights courtesy of LA Clippers)
“You know the Clippers are the only LA NBA team that does theme nights.” “Really? I never knew that.” “It’s pretty dope. Only team that does those shirt tosses too.” “It shows they really care, doesn’t it?”
(LA Clippers staff that served in the military were recognized at the pregame festivities. Nick Roska@Tangentzine)
My colleagues have a bit of a point. For the Los Angeles Clippers, they’re aware their realm of influence extends beyond the court. They know it’s more than a game. Walking on court tonight carrying the United States colors amongst Dallas Mavericks stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving were active members of the military, veterans, and their beloved friends and family from the Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California.
(Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Dončić warms up prior to the game/ Nick Roska @Tangentzine)
For ROTC Officer Jeremiah Fulache from Canyon Springs High School, he feels the appreciation from the especially electric crowd tonight. “It's pretty crazy,” Fulache is in sincere disbelief. He adds, “It’s my first time being at an NBA game so it’s pretty cool to see all this stuff!” Fulache was distinguished tonight along with the rest of his friends. That “stuff” included B. Thompson, pop and R&B saxophonist performing the National Anthem, striking a patriotic chord in the audience's hearts.
(Canyon Springs High School ROTC officers/Nick Roska @TangentZine)
(Editor in Chief Katareena Roska interviewing Canyon Springs HS ROTC officers/Nick Roska @TangentZine)
Along with that, a commemorative Clippers coin was distributed at the entrance honoring the army, navy, marines, air force, coast guard, and space force for their service.
Nick Roska@Tangent Zine
On court, the Los Angeles Clippers displayed full dominance from the start over the Dallas Mavericks finishing them off 107-88 in their biggest win of the season. They showed cohesiveness on offense led by Paul George's 25 pts, nine rebounds and four assists. Russel Westbrook, Terance Mann and Ivica Zubac scored in double figures as well. A big factor that dictated the game was the rebounding. The Clippers have 57 rebounds compared to the Mavs' 37. It showed the Clips wanted the ball more and not only that, but they also rotated the ball well dishing off 25 assists as a team. The Clippers depth was too much for the Mavs. Luka Dončić's 30 points and Kyrie Irving's 26 were not enough to help them win.
(The author with NBA legend Jerry West)
As Clipper Nation was presenting its “Military Moment” segment, thanking any former or current members of the military for their selflessness, I found myself beside NBA legend and now LA Clippers Executive Board Member Jerry West. His silhouette dribbling a basketball is the one being used in the NBA logo and is renowned worldwide. History dictates that it was Jerry West's decision to trade the drafting rights for an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant in 1996 and made him a Laker for life.
Video Credit: ESPNYT
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