SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors began their title defense Tuesday with a 123-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in a star-studded season opener.
After leading the countdown to unveil a massive banner honoring Golden State’s 2022 championship before the game, Stephen Curry, starting his 14th NBA season, poured in a team-high 33 points, grabbed six rebounds and handed out seven assists.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook combined for 77 points, but it wasn’t enough.
The Warriors held an eight-point lead at the half before putting the game away with a trademark third-quarter scoring flurry. Golden State outscored L.A. 32-19 in the 12 minutes out of the locker room.
Klay Thompson and James Wiseman started last season on the bench as both were sidelined with injuries. Thompson would return in January and be a vital piece in the Warriors’ championship run after missing two and a half years due to injuries. Meanwhile, Wiseman would be shut down in April after suffering several setbacks from a knee injury that cut short his rookie season.
Thompson and Wiseman were both healthy and ready to start the season with the Warriors.
Thompson, playing in his first season opener in three years, finished with 18 points and three assists. Wiseman added eight points and seven rebounds off the bench. The 7-foot center also denied Wenyen Gabriel under the basket.
Jordan Poole, who signed a four-year contract extension this week, finished with 12 points off the bench.
The Warriors (1-0) return to action Friday when they host the Denver Nuggets, whom Golden State eliminated from the first round of the playoffs in April. Tip-off at Chase Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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