WATCH: Clippers new $2B Intuit Dome debut’s in fitting fashion as James Harden turns ball over in overtime and Kawhi Leonard sits out in their NBA season opener

The 2024-25 season has officially begun, and with it comes a fresh chapter for the Los Angeles Clippers. On Wednesday night, the Clippers opened their season in style, taking on the Phoenix Suns in their highly anticipated home opener at the brand-new Intuit Dome. Fans packed the arena, eager to see how this new era for the Clippers would unfold.

Clippers owner Steve Ballmer went all-in on the team’s new home, pouring $2 billion into the state-of-the-art arena. Before the doors officially opened on Wednesday, Ballmer was spotted outside, hanging out with fans as they broke into a “Let’s go Clippers” chant.

As the excitement built up before tip-off, Ballmer was back in the crowd, hyping everyone up by dancing and cheering right along with them. Then, grabbing a microphone, he energized the arena with a simple but powerful message: “Welcome home, Clipper Nation!”

Check out the Clippers brand new arena

The LA Clippers' new $2 billion stadium is like nothing we've ever seen before 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ijVwxR1VpS

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 23, 2024

One of the standout features of Ballmer’s new arena is “The Wall,” a dedicated supporters section located directly behind the visiting team’s basket, reserved solely for Clippers fans. Designed to rattle opponents and give the home team a real edge, “The Wall” made quite the impression during the Clippers’ home opener.

Even Suns star Kevin Durant took notice, sharing his thoughts after the game. “I love the wall they have. It was insane,” Durant said. “I was just staring at it the whole time. You’re not used to that.”

With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, it was up to James Harden to take charge for the Clippers. Harden, who played a supporting role last season alongside stars like Paul George and Russell Westbrook, now finds himself in a much different position. With George and Westbrook no longer in the picture, Harden steps into a larger role, ready to lead the team in his second year in Los Angeles. When I say ready to lead the team, what I mean is that he can play his “Harden Ball” that doesn’t really lead to any real success by the time the postseason comes around.

New arena, same old Clippers….

All that 💰 tied up into James Harden who played exactly how you'd expect…

Kawhi Leonard doesn't even suit up (shocker)

I actually kinda feel bad for Steve Ballmer and the few LA fans that chose the Clippers over the Lakers 😂 pic.twitter.com/YnsIrtd1GQ

— Steven Conrad Jr. (@StevenConradJr) October 24, 2024

James Harden put in a full 40 minutes of action, finishing the night with 10 of 28 shooting, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists. Despite his efforts, he had a golden opportunity to send the game into a second overtime. However, he missed the second of two critical free throws that would have tied the score, leaving LA unable to extend the game.

James Harden after the game, made it clear that he has never missed the playoffs in his career and doesn’t expect this season to be any different. While that is actually an impressive feat, it is the most Los Angeles Clippers thing ever. That franchise has continuosly made the NBA playoffs over the last decade, and has had some very talented teams that simply couldn’t get over the hump.

As it stands, ESPN’s NBA Power Index projects the Clippers to finish with a 41-41 record, giving them a 40% chance of reaching the postseason. Despite the external expectations from analysts and commentators, Harden is confident that the Clippers will stay focused on their own internal goals as they aim for success this year.

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