It wasn't exactly a housewarming party, since the Clippers had already taken over their new venue in preseason against the Mavericks and the Kings. But there was an atmosphere of a great first in the Intuit Dome on Wednesday, for the start of the regular season in the brand new hall of the Californian franchise. The celebration was not complete for the local supporters, spoiled by the victory of the Suns on the road. But the atmosphere that reigned for 53 minutes made a strong impression on everyone involved in the evening.
From the presentation of the teams on the colossal giant circular screen above the floor, to the boos of the Clippers' “Kop” during the opposing free throws in front of their eyes, the atmosphere of this match set the tone for the next 40 home season matches. Under the eyes of former French football team internationals Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud, this evening in what local coach Ty Lue described as “ room like nowhere else in the world » made an impression, especially for the Clippers' opponents.
A wall of supporters that impresses
“ It's amazing, I loved it » smiled Kevin Durant, particularly captivated by the special platform, “The Wall”. “ I absolutely loved the wall they put up, it's crazy. In the playoffs and when people have got their bearings in the room, it will be amazing here. The wall was crazy. I watched him all the time, I'm not used to something like that. I think I already had a similar experience at Oklahoma State where they have a room like this, not as big obviously, but with a very straight stand that rises like that. I always thought it was very cool. The noise and sound are different. It's going to be a very difficult atmosphere for all the teams that come here. »
The Suns obviously needed time to adapt to this “Kop”, especially when he was directly in front of them on free throws. “ When I missed the throw, I was pissed » prefers to have fun Devin Booker. “ Kevin missed two too, this thing might work. Is that impressive? A bit yeah: spend two billion, put up a wall. »
This did not prevent Phoenix from regaining sensations at the best time to calm the fans' enthusiasm thanks to Kevin Durant's fantastic shot to take the match into overtime, before signing a 10/10 on throws against the “Wall” during the five more minutes.
“ They didn't completely do their job. » said a teasing Devin Booker. “ When they were this close to making a successful defense and I got up to take my shot and it went in, it got quiet in there.” said Kevin Durant to the media after the match. It's one of the best feelings, especially this late in the game. »
The energy of the Intuit Dome unanimously praised
James Harden could have made the Intuit Dome explode with joy in the final moments, but was unable to score the winning lay-up at the siren before missing the free throw to equalize in the final moments of overtime. A heartbreak for the Clippers star.
“ I'm so disappointed not to come away with the victory » he mentioned at a press conference. “ It's one of the most frustrating things I can remember to this day. This is history being made in Inglewood. The Intuit Dome. The fans came, they showed up and we ended up losing. But I think they gave us enormous energy tonight, the more things go, the better the results will be. We have to do our part, and they clearly did theirs tonight. »
For a team in limbo after the departure of Paul George during the summer, and with the injury of Kawhi Leonard, this first performance at least reassures the level of competitiveness of Nicolas Batum's gang. Before capitalizing on this Intuit Dome for the future. “ A new room brings energy to your supporters, your organization, the players, the coaches, everyone » explained Mike Budenholzer.
The new Suns coach knows something about this, having been in charge of the Bucks when they moved to Fiserv Forum in 2018, before winning the title three years later. “ It instills something throughout the entire city, franchise. I'm sure the Clippers are looking for the same thing, the crowd was fantastic tonight. I think it's a good thing for the NBA and for the Clippers.“
