After the annual getaway to Hawaii, the Los Angeles Clippers return to the City of Angels to play their very first match in their new venue: the Intuit Dome.
What could be better for their first in Inglewood than to challenge their best enemies, the Dallas Mavericks? Tyronn Lue’s men thus received the team of newcomer Klay Thompson and inaugurated the Intuit Dome in the most beautiful way with a 110 to 96 victory.
On the Angelinos side, the success was collective with six players who exceeded the 10 point mark including Kevin Porter Jr who scored 18. second unit of the Clippers shone defensively with 11 interceptions, more than the entire Texan squad which only collected six balls.
Speaking of the Texans, the transition is perfect to talk about Klay Thompson’s first disasterclass with Dallas: 0 points on 0/9 shooting, 3 rebounds and 1 assist and 21 minutes. A very horrible performance which is enough to give PTSD from his terrifying play-in match against the Kings last April.
Of course, how can we talk about the Clippers without mentioning Kawhi Leonard? Since the start of the pre-season, it has been a mystery about his availability or not as if it were the month of April, but it is now official: The Klaw will not play again before the start of the regular season. The objective remains the same: to be ready for the reception of the Suns on October 24.
Besides the sporting side, this match was (above all) the inauguration of the Intuit Dome in its basketball version. A successful debut and appreciated by everyone present on site, whether players or observers.
James Harden on Intuit Dome:
“It’s cracking. It’s cracking in here… The screen and the fans and the lights around the seats. It’s gonna be a good season for us. It’s gonna be fun to watch.” pic.twitter.com/kHhdh9ts8Y
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) October 15, 2024
“It’s great here. It’s going to be a good season for us and it’s going to be fun to watch.” –James Harden
Of course, the technological additions to the room stood out. As expected, the incredible halo that goes all around the arena allows for beautiful visuals such as during the national anthem or the transition between each half.
This is how the LA Clippers transitioned out of halftime to the third quarter at the Intuit Dome. Sounded very intense in person, but what do you think? pic.twitter.com/FVOAuFvJLo
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) October 15, 2024
Even if it’s just a simple pre-season match that will be forgotten as soon as you read this article, it’s still important to make a successful debut in your new gym. Even more so when you’re a cursed franchise like the Clippers.
Text source: NBA.com
