The Clippers on Friday hosted the third edition of the Rain City Showcase, their preseason game in Seattle, and a sold-out crowd "packed into Climate Pledge Arena." The game brought the NBA back to the city 16 years after the SuperSonics were moved to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder, and for one night only, it was "like the Sonics were back in town.” The “biggest cheers of the night had nothing to do with either team, but with the former Sonics in the building" (YAHOO SPORTS, 10/12).
The Clippers-Blazers preseason game gave Seattle “another chance” to "show its interest in the NBA." Former Sonics coach Geroge Karlsaid, “All I know is Seattle, the karma, the energy, the spirit, the fan base, the history, the tradition, and it’s got the best building in the world. How does the NBA say no to that?” In attendance for the game ere Shawn Kemp, Jamal Crawford, Gary Payton and Detlef Schrempf. On opposite baselines sat former coaches Lenny Wilkens and Karl. Former NFL coach Pete Carroll was sitting next to Kraken CEO Tod Leiweke. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer took the mic before the opening tip and said, “Seattle’s got the best basketball fans in the world” (SEATTLE TIMES, 10/11).
