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San Francisco (AFP) – Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant accepted their championship rings on Tuesday to lead Golden State to a third NBA title in four campaigns, then propelled the Warriors over Oklahoma City 108-100 in their opening match 2018-19.
Curry scored 32 points with nine assists and eight rebounds, while Durant had 27, eight and six assists as the Warriors resisted a fourth-quarter response, allowing them to triumph in their quest. of a third consecutive title.
"The first game could be played back and forth, with timing and overall execution," said Curry. "We had a difficult third quarter, but we resisted and managed to get the job done."
"We need to take better care of the ball, which will bring more goods at the end of the season.
"We know what's at stake." Winning three times in a row would put us in a very select company, we're not shy about talking about it, but you have to do the little things throughout the season, I think we're ready for that. . "
The first game of the NBA season took place in Boston, where Jayson Tatum scored 23 points and 9 rebounds, while the reserve, Marcus Morris, added 16 points and 10 rebounds, while the host Celtics beat Philadelphia 105-87.
Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, handed over champion jewels. Steve Kerr (Golden State) earned his fourth place as a coach. He also praised the Warriors' dynasty for more than just his skills on the court.
"The Warriors have a tradition of excellence based on universal values such as teamwork, respect and unity," said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
"They perpetuate a long legacy of NBA players and teams that compete for something bigger than a game by harnessing the power of sport to build bridges and improve people's lives."
– "Amazing trip" –
Then the championship final was held at Oracle Arena, the NBA's oldest arena, built in 1966. The Warriors will be relocating to a new arena in San Francisco next season.
"Last year was an incredible journey," Curry told the crowd. "We're doing all this for you guys, so let's make the most of it."
Curry scored 19 points in the first period, helping the Warriors to take a 57-47 advantage at half-time, but the Thunder opened the third quarter with a 22-9 grabbing his first lead at 69-66, German goalkeeper Dennis Schroder sinking the pointer to 3 for Oklahoma City.
The Thunder faced Golden State until the end, a free throw from New Zealander Steven Adams in Oklahoma City in 99-97 with 1:57 to go.
Curry responded with a 3-point game and Kevon Looney added a lay-up for a 104-99 Warriors advantage. Durant followed with a rider inside with 24 seconds remaining to seal the fate of his former club.
The Thunder was without star guard Russell Westbrook, who was not allowed to return after an arthroscopic right knee surgery last month.
Paul George led Oklahoma City with 27 points, Schroder added 21 and Adams 17 points and 11 rebounds.
– Hayward back in Boston –
In Boston, Gordon Hayward scored 10 points on 4 out of 10 shots with four interceptions on his return after fracturing his left leg in the first game of last season.
"There was a lot of work on me but the joy of being here was amazing," said Hayward. "It was so good to be out there, such a blessing that I was able to play basketball again."
Hayward was greeted with a standing ovation from the crowd when he left the game in the final seconds.
Tatum scored 13 points in the first half for the Celtics, who took advantage of last season's injuries to lead a brilliant NBA campaign.
"I am much more confident, confident and relaxed," he said. "It's my second year, I knew what to expect.I was just happy to get back on the floor."
Kyrie Irving of Boston, whose previous season ended early with leg injuries, was only 2 points out of 14 to score 7 points, but added seven assists.
Joel Embiid scored 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the 76ers while Australian Ben Simmons, rookie of the season in the NBA last season, scored 19 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 interceptions and 2 blocked shots.
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