Devin Booker and Kevin Durant admit Clippers' $2 billion Intuit Dome's rowdy "Wall" hindered their impact
Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns were the first regular season visitors of the Los Angeles Clippers’ $2 billion new home, the Intuit Dome. They made history as the first team to win inside arguably the NBA’s most sophisticated and intimidating arena. The Suns walked away from the loud confines of the dome with a hard-fought 116-113 overtime victory.
After the game, Booker had this to say about their first experience with the arena’s biggest and most intriguing attraction – “The Wall”:
"I missed a free throw, man, I was pissed. I think [KD] missed two down there so that s**t might work!”
Devin Booker had eight points in the fourth quarter but missed a crucial free throw. He finished with 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from deep.
Durant also reacted to the fan noise that was heightened by the arena’s unique feature:
“You know they’re excited. They were this close to getting a stop and then I raised up and shot that and made it. Then it was silent in there. That’s one of the best feelings, especially late in a game.”
Kevin Durant went 7-for-9 in free throw attempts. His two misses came in the fourth quarter as fans behind the Phoenix Suns’ basket loudly booed at the former MVP. "KD" promptly bounced back from those flubbed shots by making his next two free throws before draining a 24-footer.
The highly-touted rows of Clippers fans didn’t bother the four-time scoring champ late in the final period. He gave the Suns a 100-99 edge after a layup before extending the lead to two points by making another free throw. The “Slim Reaper” also drained a 15-foot fadeaway shot with two defenders draped all over him to tie the score at 103 apiece and force overtime.
What is "The Wall" at Intuit Dome?
Owner Steve Ballmer told reporters during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Intuit Dome that he wanted to put the “fan experience” to a different level. He wanted to build an arena that was comfortable, luxurious and intimidating for opponents. With that in mind, “The Wall” was born.
Consisting of 51 consecutive rows of seats near the opposing team’s bench kept exclusive for diehard Clippers fans. The feature was designed to help the home fans intimidate opponents with their noise and waving frenzy.
Fans in this section are prohibited from cheering for the visiting team. No fan in this section is even allowed to wear non-Clippers apparel. For highly anticipated games like the matchup against the Phoenix Suns, “The Wall” can accommodate a “standing room only” section.
The LA Clippers played without several superstars on the court but their fan support was unmistakable. They will be back at the Intuit Dome after two road games when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 30.