The new San Diego Clippers (1-0) defeated Rip City Remix (0-1), 110-103 on Friday to open its season.
The new version of the Clippers, which play in the NBA G League, hearken back to the NBA’s Clippers, a team that departed for Los Angeles 40 years ago.
The squad honored Walton, a local native who died in May, at their home, Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, wearing throwback San Diego Clippers jerseys from Walton’s seasons with the team, 1979-85.
Frontwave also features Bill Walton Court and in front of each bench is a decal of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer’s signature.
The wait is over San Diego! Here's our Starting 5 ? ? pic.twitter.com/VupkJtc4H3
— SD Clippers (@sandiego_clips) November 9, 2024
The Clippers had to engineer a comeback on Walton’s special night. Rip City Remix ended the first quarter with an 11-point lead, which they held entering halftime. The Clippers ended the third quarter on an 8-0 run to tie the game, then opened the fourth quarter outscoring Rip City 24 to 9 to take a 15-point lead.
Rip City responded with a 10-0 run to cut the lead to 10 points with less than four minutes left, but a clutch three-pointer by Elijah Harkless sealed the win to give the San Diego Clippers their first home victory.
The Clippers were led by Trentyn Flowers with 20 points. Braxton Key recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while Tosan Evbuomwan flirted with a double-double with 18 point and 9 rebounds.
Rip City Remix were led by Taze Moore’s 29 points and 9 rebounds. James Bouknight scored 25 points on 8-19 shooting from the field and Bryce McGowens scored 18.
The Clippers again face Rip City at 6 p.m. Sunday at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside. The game can be viewed on the NBA GLeague website and COX YurView.
