There were fans in attendance at the Miami Heat game hosting the Los Angeles Clippers.
Dogs sniffed those fans before entering the American AirlinesArena.
The Heat welcomed back a little 1,500 fans, who had to get past Covid-19 sniffing dogs or pass a rapid coronavirus test, for the first time since last season was suspended on March 11 as the pandemic was beginning.
The dogs have been trained to pick up the scent of Coronavirus in human sweat. The science is not definitive at this point; however, the research is ongoing, and it is promising.
If the dog sniffs you and keeps walking enjoy the game; if the dog stops and sits next to you, your ticket will be refunded.
Heat fans who viewed away from the AAA had the best ticket.
The Clippers short-handed capitalized on a 20-2 run in the third quarter to seal a 109-105 victory over the short rostered Heat on Thursday night.
Key injuries for the Clippers were without Patrick Beverley, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. Heat was without Goran Dragic and Jimmy Butler.
Nicolas Batum scored 18 points to lead the Clippers. Lou Williams had 17 points for the Clippers. They overcame an 18-point deficit.
“Growing pains,” Heat’s Bam Adebayo said. “We are trying to figure it out. We are down bodies. We are playing as hard as we can to get some wins. Just have to take one step in front of the other. Keep going, keep pushing.”
Adebayo finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists for Miami.
The Heat were up 33-19 after the first quarter and 8-of-13 from three-point land. Clippers, however, outscored the Heat 40-19 in the third quarter, connecting on nine three point baskets, their most this season in any quarter so far.
They used its 13th starting lineup, tying Houston for the NBA’s most.
Heat was without seven players. Butler missed his 10th consecutive game because of the league’s Covid-19 protocols. Also out: Avery Bradley, Moe Harkless, Meyers Leonard, Chris Silva, and Andre Iguodala, all injured.
There is no reason to panic based on circumstance. However, the Heat needs to turn it around no matter who is on the court. They have proven they are capable of playing with the best of teams, but an extra body or two, especially valuable ones like Butler and Dragic, will need to be on the court for the Heat as they approach the halfway point in a shortened season. I expect Butler to be on the court for Miami their next home game.
The marathon continues.
Heat host the Sacramento Kings next.
Clippers visit the Orlando Magic.
