LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, 90-88. Before things got entertaining in the fourth quarter, however, they had to get a little emotional leading up to the game as well as in the first quarter.
Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and forward Danilo Gallinari, two players from last year's Clippers team, returned to Staples Center. Gilgeous-Alexander only played a season while Gallinari played two, but the two developed an incredible connection with both the fans and their teammates throughout the 2018-19 season that saw an unexpected playoff run.
During their pregame introductions, both Gallinari and Gilgeous-Alexander received a rousing ovation from Clippers fans in attendance:
Thunder players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chris Paul, and Danilo Gallinari all get loud ovations from Clippers fans in the pregame introductions. pic.twitter.com/9APC7rroL8
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 19, 2019
The cheers got even louder once the two received a touching tribute video during the first timeout in the first quarter:
Clippers put together a beautiful tribute for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari during the last timeout. #Thunder pic.twitter.com/5brt2VHKbr
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 19, 2019
Following the game, here's what the two players had to say about their video and reaction from the fans.
“It was cool,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “Clippers fans are obviously amazing. They've been amazing in the time I’ve been there and not been there.”
Article Continues Below“It was great,” added Danilo Gallinari. “Especially since I didn’t expect the video tribute. It was great to be back, thank you to the Clippers for that.”
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the tribute video and ovation from Clippers fans – “It was cool. Clippers fans are obviously amazing. They've been amazing in the time I’ve been there and not been there.” pic.twitter.com/p2Z9H7oJRB
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 19, 2019
Danilo Gallinari on the video tribute and ovation from Clippers fans – “It was great, especially since I didn’t expect the video tribute. It was great to be back, thank you to the Clippers.”#Thunder pic.twitter.com/BD8vHXN0es
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 19, 2019
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the team in scoring at 19.7 points per game to go along with 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 made 3-pointers per game on 45.9 percent shooting from the field and 38.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Danilo Gallinari, who isn't known for his flashy play, is second on the team in scoring at 18.6 points per game to go along with 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game on 43.2 percent shooting from the field and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc.
The two will quickly move on to play the Lakers on Tuesday night, but Clippers fans absolutely still have love for the duo.