In their first-ever game in the Intuit Dome, the Los Angeles Clippers came up short 113-116 in overtime to the Phoenix Suns.
“I’m so disappointed that we didn’t get the win, that’s one of the most frustrating things that I can think about,” said Clippers guard James Harden. “This [is] history in Inglewood, the Intuit Dome, the fans came up and came out and showed out and we got the short end of the stick.”
Despite playing for 40 minutes and scoring 29 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, Harden noted how he could improve. While he led all scorers and rebounders, Harden made eight turnovers.
“I got to play way better, I think it was having that week off, getting adjusted to the pace of the game,” Harden said. “Just getting a quality shot, possession by possession.”
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Clippers center Ivica Zubac scored 21 points and nine rebounds in the contest. He, along with guard Terance Mann fouled out.
“I fouled some that I should have just stayed solid,” Zubac said. “Some fouls far away from the basket … sometimes being too aggressive before the ball is inbounded. It’s stuff like that, it adds up.”
Zubac noted how the Clipper defense was impressive during the matchup; they out-rebounded the Suns 51-42.
“I thought we played hard and competed. I thought we had to play a lot smarter,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. “We passed up some shots, but overall just continue to keep trusting the offense. If we don’t have it on one side give it to the next side.
The Wall and the technology of the building were a highlight of the inaugural game. Lue approved of the multi-angle replays that were shown on the Halo Board. Fans got a chance to participate in games at their seats in between quarters. The lights on the seat would shine when Clippers players made shots.
Much like a supporters section at a professional soccer game, The Wall chanted during plays and had special movements.
“The Wall is crazy, that’s our sixth man,” Lue said. “Those guys are loud, they’re into the game. I think they made [Suns forward Kevin Durant] miss two free throws.”
With 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Durant missed two of his free throws, rewarding Clippers fans a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich.
“It was fun having fans engaged like that, on their feet chanting all night long and supporting us,” Zubac said. “It helps us a lot on court knowing fans are behind us.”
Guards Norman Powell and Amir Coffey contributed 17 and 11 respectively. Forward Derrick Jones Jr scored 12 points.
“I’m proud of the guys, the effort was definitely there,” Harden said. “We just got to watch film and correct some other things.”
The Clippers head out of town to battle the Denver Nuggets on October 26 at 2:00P.M.
