Warriors, Heat to host Filipino Heritage Nights

Golden State Warriors, from left, Andre Iguodala (9), Kevin Durant (35) and Stephen Curry (30) wait during a called foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. AP PHOTO

Filipino fans can mark March in their calendars as the NBA announced it would hold Filipino Heritage Nights in the third month of the year.

March 13-19 will be the NBA’s Filipino Heritage Week with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat holding Philippine-themed activities for their home games.

The Bay Area-based Warriors have always enjoyed a solid Filipino following here and abroad. The organization will donate some of the proceeds from their March 19 game against the Milwaukee Bucks to local Filipino organizations.

“The first NBA Heritage Week is the perfect opportunity for the NBA to celebrate the support of our Filipino fans around the world,” said Carlo Singson, the NBA Philippines Managing Director. “The activities in the Philippines, Miami and Oakland will showcase the country’s vibrant culture and passion for basketball.”

Local television stations will also air the Filipino Heritage games with the Heat, whose head coach Erik Spoelstra is part Filipino, taking on New Orleans on March 16 (Manila time) and the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 18.

Golden State will face the Bucks on March 19.