“It’s terrifying!” Erik Spoelstra weighs in on New Orleans terror attack that killed 15 and injured 30
Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat were to play the New Orleans Pelicans on the eve of the New Orleans attack.
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Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was devastated to know about the New Orleans attack
All over the country people were still celebrating the dawn of the New Year when the New Orleans attack occurred. The situation left 15 people dead and 30 injured as revelers were still reeling from the shock. The New Orleans Pelicans were in Florida to face Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat.
They travelled to take on the Heat at Kaseya Center hoping to start the New Year with a win. Their previous 10-game losing streak has brought heavy criticism even if they are playing without two of their most important starters.
But then, news broke that a supposed ISIS member had mowed down 15 people on Bourbon Street. Thirty others were injured in the attack and were hospitalized. Those people were reveling in the French Quarter of New Orleans, famous for its New Year parties.
Before their game tipped off, the mood at Kaseya Center was gloomy at best. Home team head coach Erik Spoelstra was at the press conference and was asked about his reaction to hearing about the pickup truck attack, to which he replied.
It’s terrifying. It’s horrific. Until we all find out more details, you pray for all the families and everybody that’s experiencing loss. The unknown, also, is terrifying.
Erik Spoelstra said
He added that when the news broke out on televisions inside the Miami Heat weight room, a deafening silence followed. Prior to the game, the Heat held a moment of silence in solidarity with those that lost their lives.
Erik Spoelstra’s counterpart Willie Green reacts to New Orleans terror attack
Spoelstra’s words signified what it felt to know that several people had ended their lives tragically just as they were celebrations the New Year. But for Pelicans head coach Willie Green, the matter was a lot closer to his heart. In the press conference his words shared that pain.
I’m devastated. A senseless act of violence. We’ve discussed it a bit with our players. But we’re just living in times and in a world where you just don’t know where you’re safe. Schools, churches, people should be able to go out and have a good time and walk the streets. It’s devastating.
Willie Green said
The New Orleans Pelicans played the game against the Miami Heat, but their minds were elsewhere. After all, their home, Smoothie King Center, is about a mile from Bourbon Street, the scene of the attack. However, they were professional enough to do their jobs in the 108-119 loss to the Heat.
They knew that as they headed home, the conversations would be different. They would next play the Washington Wizards on January 3rd which has not been postponed as of now. Unlike the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame that had to be postponed by a day due to security reasons.
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Joseph Varghese
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