Croatian culture takes over NBA match in LA
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Croatian Heritage Night in LA (Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
LOS ANGELES, 29 December 2019 – Hundreds of fans dressed in red and white checkers converged on the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the NBA clash between the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz on Saturday night.
The Los Angeles-based club celebrated Croatian Heritage Night for the first time last night in honour of their Croatian star Ivica Zubac.
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
The night had an added Croatian connection with the Utah Jazz featuring one of Croatia’s best players, Bojan Bogdanovic.
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
18,000 fans turned out and had the opportunity to witness some Croatian culture during the evening. St. Anthony Kolo Club ‘Croatia’ from Los Angeles, led by Heidi Granic, put on a halftime show for the fans.
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
Dressed in beautiful Croatian national costumes from the Slavonian region, the group’s presentation of a mix of Slavonian songs and dances delighted the big crowd which turned out.
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
On court, Bogdanovic and the Jazz would spoil the party for the LA Clippers, winning 120-107. Bogdanovic scored 17 points on the night with 3 assists and 5 rebounds. Zubac was impressive for the home side, scoring 15 points with 12 rebounds.
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
After the match, Zubac held a Q&A with fans and the Croatian contingent continued the party late into the night.
(Photo supplied: Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
