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

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

Blog Article

The person responsible for the grand basketball opening of a showpiece arena grabbed the microphone Wednesday before tipoff and uttered words that a 54-year-old NBA franchise had never heard before:

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

Yes, the only other yell that could generate more excitement and maybe disbelief would be: “We’re finally champions.”

Until that day arrives, the Clippers and their fans will gladly accept this — a $2 billion gift from Ballmer in the form of an 18,000-seat arena named Intuit Dome, their very own home, that instantly becomes the standard by which all future arenas must meet if they dare.

Not many franchise owners have Ballmer’s funds and probably not his enthusiasm and vision, either. To be clear, this is the Arena That Ballmer Built and he didn’t cut any corners.

The first NBA game at Intuit Dome was a complete success … until the Clippers were denied by the Phoenix Suns, 116-113, Wednesday before a crowd that didn’t fill every seat but.................................Read More