Suns-Clippers: 5 takeaways as Phoenix spoils dramatic opener at Intuit Dome

The state-of-the-art Intuit Dome will immediately become the standard by which all future arenas will be measured.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The person in charge of a flagship arena's basketball grand opening grabbed the microphone before tipoff Wednesday and uttered words a 54-year-old NBA franchise had never heard before:

“Welcome home, Clipper Nation!” shouted Steve Ballmer.

Yes, and the only other shout that could provoke more excitement and perhaps disbelief would be: “We are finally champions.”

Until that day comes, the Clippers and their fans will happily accept this – a $2 billion gift from Ballmer in the form of an 18,000-seat arena called the Intuit Dome, their very own home that will immediately become the standard for all future ones Arenas must meet meet if they dare.

Not many franchise owners have Ballmer's resources and probably not his enthusiasm and vision. To be clear: This is the arena that Ballmer built, and he cut no corners.

The first NBA game at the Intuit Dome was a resounding success until the Clippers fell 116-113 to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday in front of a crowd that didn't fill all the seats but stayed until overtime.

Here are five takeaways from Dome Sweet Dome:

1. All the best in Inglewood

When the franchise was still known as the Buffalo Braves, they lived with the Sabers hockey team in the Aud (short for auditorium), a rickety barn with character. The move to San Diego and the name change to the Clippers came with an unusual neighbor in the Sports Arena – the Sockers indoor soccer team.

Another move, another co-tenant: sharing the LA Sports Arena with the USC basketball teams. Then the Clippers finally increased their amenities with a move to downtown LA, but were third-class citizens to the Lakers and Kings at Staples Center (now Crypto.com).

And now, here in Inglewood — coincidentally the Lakers' former home base — it's all Clippers and only Clippers.

The Intuit Dome is the best in the league for obvious reasons – Ballmer, the richest NBA owner, has spared no expense. And it was built here in the age of technology, so the Clippers could use every megabit and chip known to man.

Aside from the number of restrooms (three times the NBA average) and the ability for fans to purchase food and merchandise via an app and then take it to go – without waiting in line – two features stand out. The overhead halo display panel is sizzling – 360 degrees in rich 4K with four different viewing angles. And the Wall, the 51-row fan area behind a basket that has no luxury suites at all, is intended to have a college-like feel.

THE WALL‼️ pic.twitter.com/p23jRmsxSR

– LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 24, 2024

Most of all, and probably best of all, the arena is designed solely as a basketball court. It gives the feeling of being right in the middle of the action. With unobstructed sightlines and rows of extra legroom, half of the Clippers' problems are over. This arena is fan friendly.

2. Will the fans actually be friendly?

Circle January 19th. This is the most important home date of the Clipper season because you know who's coming to visit for the first time.

If Laker fans grab the seats for this game and take control of the building — a very real possibility — it won't be a good look for the Clippers. And that's possible because (a) without Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers could fall in the standings indefinitely and (b) it's the Lakers.

There's a bigger picture here: Can the Intuit Dome help attract free agents in the future? Maybe that's too optimistic; Players leave one team and move to another for money. Still, it doesn't hurt, nor does the attached practice facility, which is more of a feast for the eyes than the basketball facility.

3. Speaking of Kawhi

Missing the season and arena opener was a setback for the franchise. It reinforced that his body is unanswerable and that any team opening a billion-dollar arena wants to have as much star power as possible.

There were rows of empty seats on Wednesday before the game began, which raises another problem: Suppose the Clippers struggle this season and next? What then?

Not only were the Clippers without Kawhi, but Paul George now plays for the 76ers. These two were supposed to mark a new direction for the franchise, but that was five years ago and, to use a Clipper expression, the ship has sailed.

Your best player must also be your most reliable. Otherwise, what is it about?

4. Harden has “his” team again

It might be wishful thinking on the Clippers' part to expect, or even beg the basketball gods, for James Harden to magically return to his time with the Rockets. Back then, he was a basketball force of nature, winning an MVP and making shots like few have ever managed in the game.

However, time brings with it gravity, and Earth called out to Harden like everyone else. He's no longer dropping 30 a night, but he can give a look back every now and then and remains a very effective passer.

With that said, without Kawhi, the Clippers could use whatever size Harden has left. Or at least an All-Star-like start to this season.

He was at times the most influential player Wednesday on a floor he shared with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Harden (29 points) had two assists from a triple-double, but also had eight turnovers and missed the second of two free throws with four seconds left that would have tied the game.

With George gone and Kawhi on the court, Harden finally has the ball and the green light all to himself. The last time this happened wasn't in Brooklyn or Philadelphia. Can his time in Houston bring back a few memories?

“It's important to me to be able to play a role that you need to win,” Harden said of his current role. “I just play basketball and have a natural feel, whether I have to score at a high pace or make assists. I've read what the defense is telling me. So this team is a little bit about scoring points and creating the game, which makes the guys’ jobs a lot easier.”

5. A star shy

The clear difference between the Suns and Clippers became apparent in the moment of truth. When Devin Booker fouled with just under two minutes left, Durant and Bradley Beal were there to save Phoenix.

With Harden drawing extra attention on defense, forcing turnovers, the Clippers didn't have as many other options late in the game and OT.

For a late portion of the fourth period, Harden and Durant traded baskets to not only provide some drama but also provide a glimpse of the what-if situation. Remember, they were once teammates in Brooklyn, but let's just say it didn't work out.

Either way, Harden knows what's at stake for him and the Clippers until Kawhi returns.

“I saw a lot of good in our group and I think we can improve even more,” he said. “But I have to play a lot better.”

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Shaun Powell has been covering the NBA for more than 25 years. You can send him an email Herefind his archive here And Follow him on X.

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