INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In a thrilling overtime matchup, the Phoenix Suns triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers with a final score of 116-113 on Wednesday night, marking a significant moment as the Clippers debuted their new Intuit Dome. Kevin Durant led the charge for Phoenix with 25 points, while Bradley Beal contributed 24 points to the victory.

James Harden was a standout for the Clippers, amassing 29 points along with 12 rebounds. In a nail-biting finish, Harden had the opportunity to extend the game to double overtime but missed a critical free throw with just 4.8 seconds left on the clock. Jusuf Nurkic helped secure the win for the Suns by sinking two free throws, giving them a three-point lead. The Clippers’ last shot at forcing another overtime was thwarted when Grayson Allen forced a turnover shortly after the inbounds pass.

Ivica Zubac was another key player for the Clippers, finishing with 21 points, but his foul trouble proved detrimental as he fouled out with just over two minutes remaining in overtime.

In his inaugural game as head coach of the Suns, Mike Budenholzer celebrated a successful start, improving his career record against the Clippers to 12 wins and 9 losses. On the Clippers’ side, Norman Powell made history by scoring the first basket at the Intuit Dome with a jumper merely 17 seconds into the game. Despite LA dominating in the paint with a 62-42 advantage and an impressive 51-42 edge in rebounds, Zubac’s foul issues during the overtime period were significant.

A pivotal moment in the game saw the Clippers leading 99-90, only for the Suns to respond with an impressive 11-point run, reclaiming the lead. Devin Booker was instrumental during this rally, contributing four points before fouling out with 1:27 left in regulation. Harden then scored four consecutive points to lift the Clippers to a 103-101 lead, but Durant found the net with a crucial 15-foot jumper, tying the game with 21.2 seconds remaining.

Despite only shooting 1-for-4 from the field in overtime, the Suns were perfect from the free-throw line, converting all ten attempts. Nurkic and Beal were flawless, hitting all four of their attempts, while Durant added two more to secure the victory for Phoenix.

Looking ahead, the Suns will stay in California to take on the Lakers this Friday. Meanwhile, the Clippers will travel to Denver for their next game on Saturday.