The Toronto Raptors jogged out of the Stan Sheriff Center tunnel for final warm-ups for their first 2017-18 preseason game and were introduced on the loudspeaker as the Los Angeles Clippers. It was an innocent, amusing mistake that drew some chuckles from the seats.
At least, from the fans who got to the arena exceptionally early on Sunday.
Game 1 of the Clippers Hawaii Classic, a 121-113 win by the Raptors, was a competitive affair that was somewhat overshadowed by widespread delays for the near-capacity crowd attempting to enter the 10,300-seat arena. Per NBA rules, there were metal detectors and security searches that aren’t customary at University of Hawaii games. Fans trickled in throughout the first half, meaning some missed much of the court time for All-Stars like Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan of the Clippers and Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan of the Raptors, all of whom rested for the fourth quarter.
Lines were spotted extending into the UH Lower Campus parking structure.
Afterward, free tickets for Tuesday’s 7 p.m. rematch were offered for held-up fans with valid tickets for Sunday’s game. They may take their scanned ticket to the Stan Sheriff Box Office during business hours.
“We apologize to fans who had difficulty entering this afternoon’s Clippers-Raptors game at the Stan Sheriff Center,” said Chuck Steedman, COO of AEG Facilities, in a statement. “All fans who purchased tickets for today’s game and were delayed entry to the arena until after the first quarter will receive a complimentary ticket for each one purchased … ”
The arena will open 30 minutes earlier on Tuesday, at 5 p.m. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and minimize their personal items, Steedman said.
Once everyone finally settled in Sunday, it was an impressive split-allegiance crowd for two teams making their inaugural Hawaii appearance. The L.A. Lakers are historically the team to venture here for the preseason, having last done so in 2015.
“I knew it would be a packed house,” said Lowry, the Toronto point guard who scored a team-high 17 points in 16 minutes. “They’re great fans and hopefully we put on a good show for them. Gotta put another good show on (for) them Tuesday.”
The Clippers had mixed results offensively in their first game since dealing superstar point guard Chris Paul in the offseason and bringing in nine newcomers.
Jordan’s third-quarter tomahawk stuff, and-1, over Toronto big man Serge Ibaka drew the loudest roar of the evening. The Clippers also found a bright spot in 30-year-old rookie Milos Teodosic, who had eight assists off the bench.
Griffin scored a game-high 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting in his first game action since a toe injury ended his season in the 2017 playoffs.
“Just the fact that everybody’s new on the team,” said Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari, who scored 17, as did sixth man Lou Williams. “But I thought we had more good stretches than bad stretches. I’m very happy with that. We did a lot of good things, considering we’ve been together for like five days, first game.”
The Raptors trailed 61-60 at halftime, but gradually showcased their depth and continuity, taking control early in the fourth behind Fred VanVleet’s 3-pointer followed by a layup, plus the foul. Seven players scored in double figures for the NBA’s only Canadian franchise, which boasts Kailua transplant Bobby Webster as its general manager.
The Raptors arrived Friday night after conducting training camp in British Columbia. DeRozan displayed no excuses for the travel, laying out for a loose ball and careening onto the broadcasters table in the second quarter.
“I thought (the energy) was good,” Raptors coach Dwane Casey said. “I thought we played hard, I thought we got on the floor for loose balls. … This game gave us a lot of things to look at and work on, offensively and defensively. That’s what exhibition season’s for, guys getting in game condition getting used to playing with each other. It served its purpose.”
Players of both teams locked arms with teammates in solidarity during the Canadian and American national anthems.
“It’s something we talked about,” Gallinari said. “I think so (it will continue) but we’ll see.”
