LA Clippers lose to the Phoenix Suns it team’s inaugural game at Intuit Dome – October 2024

The first regular season game ever at the Inuit Dome, the LA Clippers took on the Phoenix Suns. Owner Steve Ballmer was in attendance and gave some words of encouragement from the section called “The Wall” before the game.  The Clippers are missing their best player Kawhi Leonard, who’s been out most of the preseason within inflamed knee injury. They hope to get him back before the end of the year, especially after losing Paul George as he signed with the 76ers. This team is going to be more defensive oriented, that must come together as a team.

James Harden led the way with 29 points and 12 rebounds but didn’t shoot so well and turned the ball over eight times. He looked like he was getting tired late in the game as he played for 40 minutes and had a chance to win the game at the buzzer regulation, but he missed a driving shot right at the buzzer. He missed tying free throw in overtime to tie the game and the Suns, behind Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (24 points, 4-6 3PT) and Devin Booker (15 points, six assists) pulled it out 116-113.

The Clippers used a balance attack but new acquisition Kevin Porter did not play while going one for eight from the field missing all his outside shot attempts. Chris Dunn played well defensively as did Derek Jones Jr (who also had 12 pts), but the other core players didn’t have enough scoring punch. Norman Powell had 17 pts on 5-16 shooting, Coffey had 11 pts and  Ivan Zubac had 21 pts and 9 rebounds.  The Clippers need and expect Powell to have a big season now as a starter and to average over 20 pts per game, especially with Leonard out    Coach Ty Lue said this team will be more defensive oriented.   More at www.nba.com/clippers