The LA Clippers finally broke through and secured their first victory at the brand new $2 billion Intuit Dome on Monday night, but true to form, they did it the hard way. Facing a daunting 26-point deficit against the San Antonio Spurs, the Clippers staged a dramatic comeback to win 113-104, bringing an end to their four-game losing streak at their new home arena.
A Curse Lifted at Last?
Prior to tipoff, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer jokingly suggested to his players that the struggles at Intuit Dome may be due to a curse on the building, quipping that he might need to “tear it down and start over.” While the pregame banter helped ease the tension, the Clippers knew the pressure was mounting to finally get a win in front of their home fans.
“That’s the Clippers way. We can’t do it the easy way, we always have to fight back and be dramatic, but a win is a win.”
Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers Center
Harden: “Now we can go out there and play free”
The Clippers trailed by a staggering 40-14 margin after the first quarter before mounting their furious rally. According to the team, it marked the largest comeback in franchise history when trailing at the end of the opening period, surpassing the previous record of 23 points set against the Boston Celtics in February 2019.
“I’m just happy to get that off our chest,” said Clippers guard James Harden, who contributed 17 points in the victory. “Now we can go out there and play free. I think we did it in the second half.”
Lue’s Clippers No Strangers to Epic Comebacks
Monumental comebacks have become something of a trademark during head coach Tyronn Lue’s five seasons at the helm of the Clippers. Monday’s rally tied for the third-largest comeback by the team when trailing by any deficit since 1996.
- January 2022: Clippers overcome 35-point deficit to beat Wizards 116-115
- Last season: Clippers erase 26-point deficit to top Cavaliers 120-118
“We’ve been playing good and hard at home, but just coming up short for four games,” coach Lue said after the victory. “We just stuck with it.”
Familiar Face Returns as Clippers Host 76ers Next
The Clippers won’t have much time to savor their hard-fought win, as they prepare to welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Intuit Dome on Wednesday night. The game will mark the return of former Clipper Paul George, who made his season debut for the Sixers in a loss at Phoenix on Monday after signing with Philadelphia in the offseason.
“He was a great teammate, great friend. It’s going to be fun playing against him.”
Ivica Zubac on facing former teammate Paul George
With the proverbial monkey finally off their backs, the Clippers will aim to start building some positive momentum at Intuit Dome and prove that their early struggles were nothing more than a case of new-arena jitters. The showdown with George and the Sixers presents an ideal opportunity to send a message that the curse has been lifted for good.
