The Los Angeles Clippers are playing in a brand new $2 billion arena, the Intuit Dome. The Intuit Dome is one of the greatest sports arenas in the world. It is an arena that was clearly built so there is not a bad seat in the house.
From its outside appearance to the advanced technology inside the arena the Intuit Dome checks all the boxes for a state-of-the-art basketball arena. As great as the arena is, it didn’t start off as the greatest home court advantage for the Los Angeles Clippers. Los Angeles started their new era inside the Intuit Dome, 0-4.
The Wall, a section inside the arena that a group of fans 50 rows deep wave, dance and chant during the game. Those fans are so loud that it has caught plenty of visiting players’ attention and has had a partial effect on them.
“Yeah, it was crazy,” Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant told reporters after the season opener about The Wall. “I was just staring at it the whole time. You’re not used to that.”
Oklahoma Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had this to say about The Wall. “It was cool. Obviously, a different feel. The stands feel a little bit more on top of the court. Kinda like college. Yeah, it was cool.”
The visiting players loved their experience but the actual home team wasn’t with the early losses. Clippers guard James Harden even talked with owner Steve Ballmer about the building possibly being “cursed” after the slow start. “He (Ballmer) thought he would have to tear it down and build a new one. That tells you how much money he’s got” Harden said.
The Clippers have now reeled off eight straight wins on their home floor. With wins against the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles’ eighth straight victory at home last night against the Nuggets highlighted how comfortable the players are inside of their new home. In the 126-122 victory over Denver, the Clippers made the most three’s they’ve made all season, 17, in front of the home crowd. Harden scored 39 points and Norman Powell in his return from injury added 28 points.
The attendance numbers aren’t exactly where the Clippers organization would like them to be but the team on the court has found some comfort. Their play on the court has kept them above .500 and has given them a spark lately.
“We just had to get that monkey off our back,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “Our guys have been locked in and the fans have been great. We have a tough stretch here coming up…. Taking care of home will be very important.”
The Clippers host the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night in game two of their four-game home stand before hitting the road for three games next week
