Los Angeles Clippers star Bones Hyland thought he was going to die after the team’s charter plane was struck by lightning in the air while on their way to Denver on February 25. Clippers players were initially shocked above the Pacific Ocean seconds into the air after departing Los Angeles International Airport.
The Clippers' plane began to shake and rattle and a loud bang followed shortly after. ESPN reports that some staff saw a flash on the right side of the aircraft as the engine went eerily silent for a moment before roaring back to life.
The plane dropped in altitude several times and shrieks could be heard from passengers, the report goes on to state, and some of those onboard have described it as one of the worst moments they've experienced on a flight.
Clippers point guard Hyland, 22, was scared for his life. Taking to Twitter, recalling the flight nightmare, he said: “Ngl we thought it was over wit.”
Guard Eric Gordon told ESPN: “Us players, we're trying to nap away. Oh, everybody was up after that for sure."
The Clippers’ luck didn’t get any better after landing as they fell to a 134-124 defeat to the Denver Nuggets. Four days later they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and then the Golden State Warriors on the Friday. A day later the Sacramento Kings condemned the Clippers to four-straight defeats.
Tyronn Lue’s men did manage to find their spark again, though. The Clippers have won their last three outings against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks respectively.
And up next are the Warriors again on Thursday. The Warriors are sat fifth in the Western Conference with the Clippers one place below in sixth. Both boast records of 36-33.
Both teams will be hoping to secure NBA playoff places. Steph Curry is leading the Warriors’ charge, boasting 23 points on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting clip, including 4 of 6 on threes against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Curry was even caught on camera trash talking NBA rival Chris Paul in the 123-112 win.
