It is very rare that you see Kevin Durant miss two free throws in a row, especially in a meaningful situation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!That is exactly what happened in the Phoenix Suns’ 116-113 season-opening overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers last night with the Suns down four with 10 minutes left in regulation, as Durant and Phoenix got their first taste of “The Wall” at the brand-new, $2 billion Intuit Dome.
THE WALL‼️ pic.twitter.com/p23jRmsxSR
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) October 24, 2024
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer designed the The Wall to be a steep, 4,500-seat section next to the visiting bench where fans are not allowed to wear the other team’s jersey. It costs $1,299 for the entire season to sit on the wall.
“It was crazy. I was just staring at it the whole time,” Durant said. “I think I experienced it at Oklahoma State (in college. They) had somewhat of an arena like that, obviously not that big, but the seats went straight up. I always thought that was cool. The noise, the sound is different from that vantage point. It’s going to be a tough road environment for anyone who comes in here.”
(via The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin)
"It was crazy. I was staring at it the whole time."
Kevin Durant on "The Wall" at Intuit Dome.
Playing 44 minutes, Durant took on the challenge of guarding James Harden.
Why?
"Coaches tell me."
Laughs incoming. #Suns pic.twitter.com/SJMuHFVmmd
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 24, 2024
Phoenix plays again at the Intuit Dome on Halloween, so it will now have the opening night experience under its belt.
“I know in the playoffs, once people get more and more comfortable with the arena, it’s gonna be insane here,” Durant said. “I always love when new venues go up in our league. It’s always cool. It always sets the standard for what may come down the line. Steve (Ballmer) is doing a great job with this franchise.”
The Suns shot 25-for-34 (73.5%) from the line for the game and only 8-for-14 (57.1%) in the second half when facing The Wall.
“I missed a free throw. I was pissed,” Suns star Booker said. “I think (Durant) missed two down there, too, so that s—- might work.
“Hell yeah, spend $2 billion, put a wall up.”
"I missed the free throw. I was pissed."
Devin Booker vs. "The Wall" at Intuit Dome.
"(Kevin Durant) missed 2 down there, too. The shit might work. Hell yeah, spend $2 billion, put a wall up."
Jusuf Nurkic 4 OT FTs vs. "The Wall."
"They didn't completely do their job." #Suns pic.twitter.com/2Nsezmp7iS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 24, 2024
Phoenix got the last laugh against The Wall, sinking all 10 of its free throws in overtime after Durant hit a tough, contested jumper to send the game to OT.
“You can definitely hear the crowd. They’re excited,” Durant said. “When they were this close to getting a stop, and then I raise up and shot that and made it, it’s silent in there. That’s one of the best feelings, especially late in the game.”
Kevin Durant ties it up with a TOUGH jumper, and the #Suns and #Clippers are headed to OT tied at 103! #PHXvsLAC pic.twitter.com/12RLzNOry4
— Burn City Suns ☀️ (@BurnCitySuns) October 24, 2024
Suns start season with 116-113 victory in overtime thriller against Clippers
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
