The Los Angeles Clippers visited Camp Pendleton to play an open scrimmage game at Paige Field House Oct. 10.

“This is a practice game before the season starts,” said Michael Dunleavy, head coach, Los Angeles Clippers. “We had a good game last night against Portland, winning with the score 97-85.”

The Clippers visited Camp Pendleton to support service members and their families to offer them an opportunity to watch a professional National Basketball Association team in action for free.

Currently, there are 17 players on the team, but the NBA only allows 15 to play in the season. Dunleavy said this was one of several evaluation games, to determine who is going to make the regular season team.

This is the second year the Clippers visited Camp Pendleton.

“The intimate setting is what everybody appreciates at the event,” said Phillip Bryant, athletic director for basketball varsity teams on Camp Pendleton. “You can’t get that close (to the players), even at the NBA event, because of the benches and the press area. All of the patrons and their families really got an intimate look at the team,” he said.

After the game, players gave away prizes such as T-shirts, hats and autographed photos.

“We’ve established a really good relationship with the Clippers and we hope they come back to play here again next year,” said Bryant.

Pendleton’s men and women varsity basketball team members volunteered with setting up the gym, directing spectators to their seats and enjoyed watching the game.

“It was a really good experience for everybody,” said Lance Cpl. Janelle F. Naranjo, captain for Pendleton’s women basketball team.

The Clippers could come out on top this season, said Naranjo.