Players from the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers said they found their return to NBA action “difficult” as wildfires continue in the city.
Two Lakers games and one Clippers game were postponed, but Monday’s contests took place and both teams dedicated the evening 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 fires, and fear new outbreaks due to forecasted strong winds.
At least 24 people have died in the fires and 23 others are missing. More than 90,000 people remain under evacuation order during Lakers practice JJ Redick is one of those who lost their home in the Palisades.
Lakers forward Anthony Davis had mixed emotions after finishing with 30 points and 13 rebounds as his team lost for the third straight game.
“We were looking forward to playing basketball again in front of our fans. It’s a shame we couldn’t win,” said the 31-year-old.
“I thought about it a lot. We go out and play and whether we win, lose or draw, that game is over and everything is still happening in the world.
“So, (it’s) bittersweet in a sense because we still have people who are dealing with real-life situations. And we can go out and play basketball. So it’s tough.”
Clippers players wore t-shirts saying “LA Strong” before their game in Inglewood and Los Angeles native James Harden scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half as they came back from five down at the break to earn.
“We are going through difficult times right now,” he said. “Something we’ve never seen before. So it’s very, very powerful for us to be united. As a unit, we can be united and overcome this.”
Added teammate Norman Powell, who finished with 29 points: “They lose everything and you’re focused on basketball.
“It’s a hard thing to focus on like it’s normal. You’re in this city where there are tragedies and fires. But we have a job to do, they allowed us to play, so you need 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 lives in one of the hardest-hit areas, Pacific Palisades.
The 33-year-old said he had been trying “to get the family back in order, making sure everyone was settled and everyone was safe.”
