Brooklyn dominates on NBA’s opening night

Brad Penner USA Today

The Brooklyn Nets dominated in their season opener against the Golden State Warriors, sending out a warning to the rest of the NBA

Over the last year, many questions were asked about whether Kevin Durant would be back to his usual self following 18 months out with an Achilles injury sustained during the 2019 NBA Finals. 

Durant answered his critics, posting 22 points in 25 minutes. Kyrie Irving, his partner in crime, also impressed with 26 points as they comfortably beat Durant’s former team 125-99. 

The Nets looked strong from the get-go, controlling the game’s flow leading by as many as 38 points at one stage in the match. 

Brooklyn has been highly tipped to contest for the Eastern Conference title this season, and their investment in Durant and Kyrie over the last season has finally paid off. If their first game is anything to go by, this shortened season will show why they are among the top contenders for the NBA Championship.  

The Warriors welcomed back a star player of their own in Steph Curry as they looked to make a run for the playoffs following a mediocre 2019-20 season. Curry put up 20 points, but unfortunately for Steve Kerr, his team is a far cry from his superteam, which claimed two titles in Durant’s three seasons there.

Durant and Irving were ruthless as the game began, both reaching double figures in fewer than five minutes. Kyrie was also coming off a spell on the sidelines, only managing 20 games last season, as he decided to withdraw from playing in the NBA bubble due to personal reasons. 

Nash removed the pair before the end of the third quarter as the game was well and truly over. 

James Wiseman, selected second in the 2020 NBA draft, impressed at Center, notching 19 points with six rebounds. Andrew Wiggins, however, disappointed, shooting 4 from 16 as he totaled an underwhelming 13 points. 

Heading over to the battle in Los Angeles, the Lakers welcomed the Clippers on opening night as they received their Championship rings, but it was not meant to be, as the Clippers lead from start to finish.

This was the Clippers first game back since blowing a 3-1 lead to Denver, but Paul George powered the team with 33 points in a statement victory. 

The Nets play the Celtics in Boston, as the Bucks host the Warriors in Milwaukee and the Lakers welcome the Mavericks as the Clippers look to avenge their playoffs loss to Denver all on Boxing Day (America’s Christmas Day). 

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