Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has expressed the heartbreak and devastation of losing his home in the LA wildfires.
The fires have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed an estimated 10,000 homes and other structures.
Redick’s residence in the Pacific Palisades area, which has endured the most destructive wildfire in LA’s history, was consumed by flames on Tuesday.
“I went through most of the village and it’s all gone. It’s complete devastation and destruction,” he said.
“Everything we own that was of any importance to us after 20 years together as a couple and 10 years of parenting was in that house. There are certain things that you can’t replace.
“I don’t think you can ever prepare yourself for something like that.”
Following the Lakers’ decision to postpone their game against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week, the NBA announced on Friday that both the Lakers’ and LA Clippers’ home games scheduled for Saturday have also been postponed.
Redick, a 15-season NBA veteran, relocated to Los Angeles from New York after being appointed as the Lakers’ head coach in June.
Fortunately, his wife and two sons were not at home when the fire engulfed the property.
Thunder back on winning track
Western Conference leaders, the Oklahoma City Thunder, bounced back with a commanding 126-101 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
After setting a franchise record with 15 consecutive NBA wins last week, the Thunder were defeated by Eastern Conference leaders, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Wednesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 39 points, while Isaiah Joe added 31. The Thunder now hold a 31-6 record, maintaining a six-game lead over the Houston Rockets at the top of the West.
In Boston, the reigning champion Celtics suffered a 114-97 home loss to the Sacramento Kings. DeMar DeRozan contributed 24 points, while Domantas Sabonis delivered a standout performance with 23 points and 28 rebounds for Sacramento.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied an impressive 41 points to guide the Milwaukee Bucks to a narrow 109-106 win over the Orlando Magic. Orlando’s Paolo Banchero made an impactful return after missing 34 games due to a side injury, scoring 34 points in the contest.
The Indiana Pacers claimed a 108-96 home win over the Golden State Warriors, while Nikola Jokic returned from illness with 35 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists as the Denver Nuggets beat the Brooklyn Nets 124-105 at home.