Los Angeles (AFP)
Stephen Curry scored 33 points to begin the Golden State Warriors’ NBA title defense campaign by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109, while runner-up Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-117 on the opening day of the new season.
After receiving diamond rings and hoisting the championship banner at a pre-match event at the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Warriors put on a jaw-dropping performance to beat LeBron James and the Lakers in their new look.
The Warriors’ pre-season was overshadowed by an issue in training when Draymond Green punched and knocked Jordan Bull, what manager Steve Kerr described as the “biggest crisis” since his arrival as coach. eight years ago.
But the Warriors didn’t seem impressed by this incident in his first game, pointing out that he will be a strong candidate to defend his title. Paul and Green were together on the pitch and showed they wanted to put what happened behind them, especially when the former passed a smart ball to the latter which followed in the basket midway through the third quarter.
The Lakers, playing their first competitive match under new manager Darvin Hamm, appeared to be more disciplined on the defensive, but the Warriors exceeded their abilities.
LeBron James, 37, scored 31 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists, compared to Anthony Davis’ 27 points and Russell Westbrook’s 19 points.
“The party was a great celebration, to take the time to reflect on what we have accomplished, to watch the banner stand up and the best moments (last season),” Corey said.
He continued: “After that, it’s hard to move on and play a basketball game, but we knew how to do it. Now we are looking forward to the season. “
For his part, LeBron said the Lakers are still in development: “We played as I expected, we had good times and others didn’t. This is normal for a team that is still healing for the first time.”
He continued: “When there is better harmony between us, things will improve over time. But the match was what I expected: some good times and others less ”.
