The Phoenix Suns spoiled the Los Angeles Clippers’ first game in their brand-new Intuit Dome, winning 116-113 in overtime Wednesday.
The contest was the first NBA game played at the new $2-billion arena located in Inglewood, California.
This campaign will be the first time the Clippers play in a stadium of their own since 1998. The franchise played the previous 25 years at Crypto.com Arena, formerly known as Staples Center, the primary arena for crosstown-rival Los Angeles Lakers.
The Clippers relied on the crowd’s energy and the noise the new “Wall” section created. The Suns committed 22 turnovers in the game and missed several key free throws in the fourth quarter, including back-to-back misses from Kevin Durant.
The Clippers held a two-point lead in the final 30 seconds before Durant knocked down a clutch jumper to force OT.
Phoenix managed to pull away, outscoring Los Angeles 13-10 in the extra frame. James Harden dropped a game-high 29 points for the Clippers. The Suns had a balanced attack as all five starters scored in double figures despite Devin Booker fouling out late.
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had several colorful reactions down the stretch.
The Intuit Dome has nearly 18,000 seats and 1,400 toilets. The facility will host the 2026 NBA All-Star Game and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Clippers were without forward Kawhi Leonard against Phoenix. The two-time NBA champion will miss an extended period as he continues dealing with knee soreness.
L.A. will travel to Denver to face the Nuggets on Saturday for its next game.
The Suns will stay in L.A. and take on the Lakers on Thursday.
