Photo: Cameron Brink and other LA Sparks stars show up for Clippers' debut at Intuit Dome 

By Ethen Hutton

Modified Oct 24, 2024 05:39 GMT

The Los Angeles Clippers made their 2024-25 NBA debut on Wednesday, playing the Phoenix Suns in their season opener. This is the Clippers' first game in their new arena, the Intuit Dome.

Los Angeles' WNBA counterpart showed support for the NBA team with several LA Sparks players making an appearance for the season opener. Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, Kia Nurse and Dearica Hamby all showed out in support of the Clippers, wishing them luck on social media.

The Sparks landed Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson in the 2024 NBA draft. Brink was selected with the No. 2 overall pick, while Jackson was selected with the No. 4 overall pick. After an 8-32 campaign in 2024, the Sparks moved on from head coach Curt Miller. Los Angeles will search for its fourth head coach since 2018.

Clippers suffer loss in season opener

Despite a hard-fought effort, the Clippers suffered a tough loss in their first game in the Intuit Dome. Phoenix topped Los Angeles 116-113 in overtime. Furthermore, the Clippers squandered a six-point lead with just four minutes left to play.

The Suns tied the game at 101-101 with under a minute to go until James Harden connected on two go-ahead free throws. With a 103-101 lead, Kevin Durant drilled a 15-foot midrange shot to tie the game and force overtime. The Suns outscored Los Angeles 13-10 in overtime, with Bradley Beal connecting on a 3-pointer and two free throws in the final four minutes.

Durant and Beal led the way for Phoenix, coming up big for the Suns down the stretch. "KD" finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and three steals on 8-of-17 shooting. Beal was efficient in his 24-point performance, shooting 8-of-12 and 4-of-6 from 3-point range.

Harden turned the clocks back in a heroic 29-point effort. "The Beard" added 12 rebounds and eight assists in a double-double effort.

The Clippers are on the road for the next two games, taking on the Denver Nuggets (Oct. 26) and Golden State Warriors (Oct. 27) before their second game at Intuit Dome versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 30.