Clippers Take 2-1 Lead Over Nuggets With Historic Team Victory At Intuit Dome
LA's first playoff win in their new arena showcases depth, defense in decisive Game 3 triumph.
Image: Instagram
The Los Angeles Clippers celebrated a pivotal Game 3 victory against the Denver Nuggets, taking a 2-1 series lead in what the team proudly declared a complete “TEAM WIN” on their Instagram. The win marked a historic moment as it was the first-ever playoff victory at their new Intuit Dome.
The image shared by the Clippers shows the team’s players celebrating their victory, highlighting the collective effort that secured this crucial playoff win. The energy in the building was palpable as the Clippers’ famous section of superfans known as “The Wall” made its postseason debut in electric fashion.
In separate posts, the Clippers showcased how “The Wall was fired up as fans in the building saw their Clippers win the first-ever Playoff game in their new building.” The atmosphere was described as “ENERGY” and “electric,” creating a true home-court advantage that clearly benefited the team’s performance.
What made this win particularly noteworthy was the balanced contribution from multiple players. Recent posts highlighted several standout performances that contributed to the team win.
Russell Westbrook, referred to as “UNO” by the team, delivered an impressive all-around game with 20 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds. His aggressive style and playmaking ability were crucial in setting the tone for the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard was in “attack mode” as the Kia Performance of the Game, showcasing his offensive prowess and defensive intensity that has made him one of the league’s elite two-way players.
Norman Powell expressed the team’s mindset after the game, stating, “We just gotta lock in and be ready for Saturday,” indicating the Clippers aren’t satisfied with just one home victory and are focused on extending their series lead.
James Harden, one of the team’s stars, emphasized what makes this Clippers squad unique. In a post-game comment captured on the team’s Instagram, Harden said, “That’s what makes this team so special,” likely referring to the depth and versatility that allowed them to secure this crucial playoff victory.
The Clippers also highlighted Kris Dunn with a “DUNNGEON APPRECIATION POST,” acknowledging his defensive contributions that have been vital to containing Denver’s offensive threats.
This victory carries special meaning for the franchise. According to their Wikipedia page, the Los Angeles Clippers have a complex history since their formation in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, later becoming the San Diego Clippers before relocating to Los Angeles in 1984. The team has often lived in the shadow of their arena-mates, the Lakers, and has never reached the NBA Finals.
The Intuit Dome represents a new chapter for the franchise. Opening in 2024, this state-of-the-art arena in Inglewood is the first time the Clippers have had their own dedicated home venue, no longer sharing with the Lakers at what was previously Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena).
This Game 3 victory is thus not just another playoff win but a symbolic moment marking a new era for the franchise with their own identity and home court.
With the 2-1 lead, the Clippers now have a crucial advantage in the best-of-seven series against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Norman Powell’s comment about getting ready for Saturday indicates the team is already looking ahead to Game 4, where they’ll have another opportunity to defend their home court and potentially take a commanding 3-1 series lead before the series shifts back to Denver.
The balanced attack that led to this victory—with contributions from Westbrook, Leonard, Harden, Powell, Dunn, and others—demonstrates why the Clippers remain dangerous contenders despite facing the defending champions.
As the series progresses, the Clippers will continue to rely on this depth and the newfound energy of playing playoff basketball in their own arena with their passionate fans in The Wall creating a formidable atmosphere for visiting teams.
The historic first playoff win at Intuit Dome may just be the beginning of what the Clippers hope will be their deepest playoff run in franchise history, potentially breaking through to reach the Western Conference Finals or beyond for the first time since the team moved to Los Angeles.
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