Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) leaps to block Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole’s (3) shot during the first half at Staples Center in Los Angeles on opening night Tue Oct 19, 2021 (AP News photo)
Warriors Win Season Opener 121-114
By Barbara Mason
It is finally here. The first game of the 82 game NBA season. In a great rivalry it was fitting that the Golden State Warriors took on the Los Angeles Lakers to start the season.
The Warriors took on a formidable roster facing LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Carmelo Anthony and Russell Westbrook. The Lakers fearsome foursome could not stop Golden State at Staples Center on opening night as the Warriors win it 121-114.
The Warriors had too many fouls in the first quarter and didn’t really get into the flow of the game until the latter part of the quarter. When they settled down, the Warriors began to play some very competitive basketball. At the end of the first quarter they trailed by a single basket 34-32. Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala each had eight points.
Sloppy play in the second quarter by Golden State gave the Lakers a 59-53 halftime lead. Turnovers and far too many missed shots really hurt the Warriors in the quarter. Curry was 1-4 from downtown and finished the half with ten points. LeBron James was 7-10, perfect beyond the arc at 2-2 turning in 18 points. Anthony Davis also had a great half with 20 points.
The Lakers extended their lead to nine points in the third quarter but it was the final two minutes that were big for the Warriors. They outscored the Lakers nine to one and trailed again by a single basket 85-83.
The Warriors had a nice run in the early going of the fourth quarter leading 98-90. The Lakers came storming back to pull to within two points with under five minutes left in the game. The Warriors started dropping in three’s as a frenzied final four minutes ensued. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the game the Warriors led 115-103. The Lakers came on strong late in the final quarter but it was too little too late. After trailing for much of the game, the Warriors iced this game in the fourth quarter.
This was a big opening night win for the Warriors. It was a triple double for Curry. He finished with 21 points. According to Curry himself, he played like trash. He was very pleased to be able to pull this game out. Jordan Poole would finish with 20, and Damian Lee and Nemanja Bjelica both had 15 off the bench.
On Thursday night the Warriors will be taking on the Clippers at home. Tipoff is schedule for 7:00 PM.
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