The Los Angeles Clippers overpowered the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night during Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference First Round.
The victory was sweet but made even sweeter by the fact that it was the first playoff game held at their brand new home, the Intuit Dome in LA.
After the 117-83 win, James Harden talked about the energy and feedback from the home crowd and how it helped the Clippers secure victory.
“It was a good Game 1 in Intuit [Dome],” Harden said. “It was cracking. It was loud. It was just how we expected it to be. That’s one of the reasons why we jumped out to a huge lead. They got behind us, and we just rode that wave.”
James Harden on the Intuit Dome's playoff debut:
"It was just how we expected it to be… they got behind us and we just rode that wave."#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google https://t.co/04TA82Ilx9 pic.twitter.com/Rmg2HzlK56
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2025
Throughout its construction, the Clippers’ ownership said the Intuit Dome was going to be something special, specifically created with fans in mind.
On Thursday night, the fans were a huge part of the game.
The crowd was sold out and loud, cheering at every possession and making their negative opinions about the Nuggets known.
One of the most important parts of the Intuit Dome is “The Wall,” a section behind the basket reserved for the most die-hard fans.
They are encouraged to get loud, especially during every free throw from the opposing team.
They were extra fired up on Thursday, and it must have had some sort of impact on the Nuggets, who probably could not even hear themselves think.
This was good news for the Clippers, and the best part is that they get another game in Los Angeles this weekend.
The fans had a stellar playoff debut, but now they will have to keep it up so the Clippers can claim a 3-1 record before heading back to Denver.
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