The Golden State Warriors began their defense of the North American Basketball League (NBA) title on Tuesday with a 123-109 home victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, on a festive day, in which they received the champion rings.
At the Chase Center in San Francisco, the trophy holders were led by Stephen Curry, the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of the 2021/22 final, who finished the game with 33 points, seven assists, six rebounds and four steals from ball.
Andrew Wiggins, with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists, and Klay Thompson, with 18 points, also stood out for the locals, who were not particularly successful in the ‘three pointers’ (16 of 45).
Also notable are the eight points and seven rebounds in the return of James Wiseman, absent in 2021/22 due to injury, and the peaceful ‘coexistence’ of Jordan Poole (12 points and seven assists) and Draymond Green (four points, five rebounds and five assists), after the ‘boxing’ scene in training.
In the Los Angeles Lakers, the best was LeBron James, who at 37 years old started his 20th season in the NBA with 31 points -another step towards Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record-, 14 rebounds and eight assists.
For his part, Anthony Davis had 27 points, six rebounds and four steals, while Russell Westbrook had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Among the substitutes, Kendrick Nunn was the most outstanding player, with 13 points.
Earlier, in the first game of the 2022/23 season, the Boston Celtics, runners-up in the title, beat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-117 at home, in a clash between two of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference.
Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum, both with 35 points, formed an unstoppable duo for the hosts, led by interim Joe Mazzulla, in a game in which alternates Malcolm Brogdon (former Indiana Pacers), with 16, and Grant Williams, with 15 .also shined. .
In a group without the injured Robert Williams III, who should only reappear midway through the season, and Danilo Gallinari (former Atlanta Hawks), the highlights are Marcus Smart’s 14 points and seven assists.
As for the Sixers, the best was James Harden, author of 35 points -with nine of 14 in ‘shots’ from the field and 12 of 12 in free throws-, eight rebounds and eight assists, seconded by Joel Embiid (26 points and 15 rebounds). ) and Tyrese Maxey (21 points).
Source: TSF
