Raptors beat Clippers in exhibition; delayed fans to get free tickets
In a preseason exhibition made notable by extensive delays for fans entering the Stan Sheriff Center, the Toronto Raptors pulled away behind their reserves in the fourth quarter for a 121-113 win over the Los Angeles Clippers tonight.
Many fans in the near-capacity crowd were held up in long lines outside the arena for much of the first half due to delays getting through metal detectors and security searches entering the 10,300-seat arena. Shortly after the game, it was announced that ticket buyers of tonight’s game held up by the delays are entitled to free tickets for the teams’ rematch at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Chuck Steedman, COO of AEG Facilities, issued a statement shortly after the game:
“We apologize to fans who had difficulty entering this afternoon’s Clippers-Raptors game at the Stan Sheriff Center.
“All fans who purchased tickets for today’s game and were delayed to the arena until after the first quarter will receive a complimentary ticket for each one purchased for Tuesday’s upcoming game. Fans can receive the new tickets by bringing their scanned tickets from tonight’s game to the Stan Sheriff Box Office during business hours.”
The arena will open an extra 30 minutes early Tuesday, at 5 p.m.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
Game 1 of the Clippers Hawaii Classic was a mostly competitive affair that swung the way of the Raptors early in the fourth. The teams’ stars played the first three quarters then rested in the final period.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Raptors, led by point guard Kyle Lowry’s 17 in 16 minutes. His All-Star backcourt mate, DeMar DeRozan, added 11 points in 15 minutes.
Clippers forward Blake Griffin scored 18 points in 20 minutes in his first game action since injuring his right big toe in the 2017 playoffs. New acquisitions Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams added 17 points apiece for L.A., which debuted its new look after trading superstar Chris Paul in the offseason.
Both teams made their inaugural preseason appearance in Hawaii. They play again at 7 p.m. Tuesday.