The Los Angeles Clippers are known for making their games challenging, and their attempt to secure a victory at their new home, the $2 billion Intuit Dome, was no exception. After four previous attempts, the Clippers finally broke through Monday night, overcoming a daunting 26-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 113-104.
A Dramatic Comeback: The Clippers’ Style
“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,” commented Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac, who played a crucial role with 17 points and 13 rebounds. The Clippers’ historic comeback is just one in a series of dramatic recoveries the team has managed under coach Tyronn Lue.
The Spurs took a commanding 40-14 lead by the end of the first quarter, but the Clippers didn’t back down. This comeback surpassed their previous record of a 23-point deficit in a 2019 game against Boston. Notably, it’s also the third-largest comeback the Clippers have achieved when trailing by any margin since 1996.
Breaking the “Curse” of Intuit Dome
Before the game, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer lightened the mood by joking with players that their new venue might be cursed, even humorously suggesting it might need to be torn down and rebuilt. Ballmer’s remarks helped relieve some of the pressure as the Clippers faced mounting anxiety over their performance at Intuit Dome.
“I’m just happy to get that off our chest,” said James Harden, who contributed 17 points. “Now we can go out there and play free, and I think we showed that in the second half.”
A History of Comebacks Under Coach Tyronn Lue
The Clippers’ knack for comebacks has been a defining trait during Tyronn Lue’s tenure. They famously overturned a 35-point deficit against Washington in January 2022, ultimately winning 116-115. In another stunning game last season, they fought back from 26 points down against Cleveland to win 120-118.
Reflecting on this season’s first Intuit Dome victory, Lue remarked, “We’ve been playing good and hard at home, but we just came up short in the last four games. We stuck with it tonight, and it paid off.”
The team’s persistence became especially apparent during a decisive 33-9 run that spanned the third and fourth quarters, turning the game around. By the time the Clippers took control, they had wiped out the Spurs’ lead and built momentum that the San Antonio squad couldn’t counter.
San Antonio’s Perspective
For the Spurs, the loss marked their largest first-quarter lead ever blown and the fourth-largest blown lead overall in the franchise’s history. Interim coach Mitch Johnson, who has been covering for head coach Gregg Popovich during his recovery from illness, commended the Clippers’ experience. “That’s a very well-coached team with a lot of veterans. There’s a lot of runs in games, and this is a learning moment for our team to focus on consistency,” Johnson said.
Next Game: A Reunion With Paul George
The Clippers’ next game promises extra excitement as they host Philadelphia on Wednesday. Former Clippers player Paul George, who signed with the 76ers this offseason, is expected to face his old teammates for the first time. George, a fan favorite and respected teammate, made his season debut for Philadelphia in a loss to Phoenix on Monday.
Reflecting on the upcoming matchup, Zubac commented, “He was a great teammate and a great friend. It’s going to be fun playing against him.”
With this hard-fought win at Intuit Dome, the Clippers have shown their resilience and tenacity, setting the tone for what fans hope will be a strong season ahead.
