Clippers open Intuit Dome with style, energy

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Clippers were victorious in the first game in Intuit Dome history (albeit preseason) on Monday night, 110-96.

Initially, the starting five for the Clippers was not crisp or smooth on the offensive end. 

However, Clippers coach Ty Lue applauded them again for great defense.

“We only been together for two weeks," he said. "The last two games have been a step in the right direction.”

Lue mentioned that the starting unit of James Harden, Norm Powell, Terance Mann, Derrick Jones Jr. and Ivica Zubac is the one that he will land on for opening night.

A notable omission from that group is Kawhi Leonard, who has not played in the preseason nor practiced with the team. 

While this isn’t confirmed, it could be a sign that Leonard will not be available in the Clippers actual season opener on Oct. 23 against the Phoenix Suns. 

That right direction started with the second unit and the substitutions of Kevin Porter Jr., Kris Dunn and Kai Jones.

Porter Jr. finished the night with 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals in 18 minutes. Traditionally, Kevin Porter Jr. is a shooting guard but Monday night, Lue used him as a backup point guard.

He and Kai Jones took over the game with their energy, pace and tenacity as the Clippers jumped out to a lead in the second and third quarters and never looked back. A 16-0 run by the Clippers put them up by as much as 20 points to open the second half. 

The Intuit Dome crowd needed something to cheer for with this being a game that did not count for or against either team's record, but Kai Jones got the fans off their feet. 

Jones finished with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks, while throwing down lobs with ferocity on multiple occasions. His growth and development just in the first few preseason games has been something to behold. 

He looks more comfortable, with better pace, and a knack for always causing havoc in the paint. With Mo Bamba still dealing with a nagging injury and the team shifting towards a defensive identity, Jones could have earned a spot in the rotation with his past few performances. 

The atmosphere at the arena was raucous for a preseason game, with a college-like atmosphere, as Clippers team staff were in groups throughout the stadium concourse chanting the team name and hyping up the crowd. 

“The arena is really amazing," Derrick Jones Jr. said. "It’s probably one of the best arenas I’ve ever set foot in.” 

“The Wall” was probably the most filled part of the stadium, and the fans in the lower levels absolutely brought the energy. From the opening tip, there were team and player specific chants that continued during game play and enhanced the overall atmosphere. 

Sure, it was a preseason game and the stadium wasn’t filled to max capacity, but the introduction of the “Halo Board” with its interactive games and animations, really elevated the experience. 

Clipper fans are excited about this new era of basketball. The arena and its majestic look and high-tech amenities is one thing, but a team with fresh new faces that bounced all over the court on Monday and dug their heels in on the defensive end will bring people to Inglewood. 

The Clippers finish out the preseason with a matchup against the Sacramento Kings at Intuit Dome at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.