Clippers open Intuit Dome with win

Things look different in the preseason than what they look like during the regular season. For the Los Angeles Clippers that meant finally unveiling to an NBA audience what the insides of the Intuit Dome look like. 

“The arena is really amazing,” Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. said. “I definitely like it. It’s probably one of the best arenas that I’ve stepped foot in. Practice facility as well. I’m glad I’m here in it. To be here and play in Intuit Dome and be the first team that’s getting that floor ready.”

After over two decades of sharing space with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Clippers no longer have to worry about that.  

The home for the Clippers is Inglewood. They no longer have to play second-fiddle to the Lakers, which they have done for years. The Clippers are now the main attraction in their custom-style built arena. 

And so, the Clippers took the floor for the first time against an NBA opponent in a preseason game on Oct. 14.

Head coach Tyronn Lue and the Clippers opened the building with a 110–96 win against the Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers won by putting on their defensive hats, coming up with 20 steals and forcing Dallas into 29 turnovers. 

The Mavericks also shot a porous 37 percent from 3-point range, converting just 15 of 40 attempts from long distance.     

Transition defense was really good,” Lue said after the game. “Only giving up 8 offensive rebounds and then I think we had 20 steals. They had 29 turnovers. So defensively it was a great thing to watch. In our right spots. In our right shrinks. Attacking the basket when we are supposed to attack the basketball.” 

The defense of the Clippers was so impressive that they limited Dallas to 41 percent shooting from the field and only allowed the Mavericks to record eight offensive rebounds for the entire game. 

The Clippers also kept former Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson, who joined the Mavericks in the offseason, from scoring. 

Thompson went 0 for 9 on field goal attempts and finished the game with zero points. Dallas head coach Jason Kidd is not worried about Thompson being able to put the ball in the basket.    

“It’s preseason,” Kidd remarked. “He’s working his way through with the new group from the defensive end and the offensive end. Be patient, keep working and get ready to work on Wednesday. It’s really simple. He had looks. With shooters you make some and you miss some. So continue to keep working and we’ll have a really good practice on Wednesday. I’m not concerned.” 

With Kawhi Leonard and P.J. Tucker sitting this game out (Coach’s Decision), Kevin Porter Jr. stepped up, leading six players in double-digit scoring. Porter completed his night with 18 points on 8 of 15 shooting from the field. 

“This was the best game that KPJ [Kevin Porter Jr.] played for as far as being aggressive and making the right plays as well,” Lue said. “Having 29 assists. Sorry, 31 assists. We’ve got to keep building and only been together for two weeks and it’s going to be a long season, and we have to keep getting better.” 

Lead Photo Caption: Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey attempts to block a shot by Dallas Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes during an NBA preseason game at Intuit Dome on Oct. 14, 2024. The Clippers defeated the Mavericks, 110-96. Photo credit: Melinda Meijer/News4usonline