Banner No. 4 in the Bay
10/19/2022
By: Matthew Cahill
Celtics & Warriors — NBA Finals Teams From Last Season — Win NBA Season Openers
Welcome back, basketball! The NBA season kicked off last night with two marquee matchups in the east and west. Both the Celtics and Warriors showed why they’re the teams to beat in their respective conferences as they each picked up a pair of wins to begin their quests to get back to the Finals. The night began in Boston with a Bill Russell tribute before heading to San Francisco for a banner-raising ceremony. Let’s play 82 games!
Editor’s Note: Read Full 2022-23 NBA Season Preview (TheSportsletter.com)
The Celtics came into the season opener last night after switching coaches less than a month ago. The inaugural game of the season saw two powerhouses in the East face off with what could be a potential Conference Finals preview. While it was encouraging for Philly to see James Harden return to his old self with a vintage 35-point performance, they had no answers for Boston’s superstar wings. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum scored 35 apiece. New addition Malcolm Brogdon fit in the Celtics’ offense like a glove, adding an efficient 16 points off the bench in his team debut. Despite the offseason drama regarding Ime Udoka, it looks like interim coach Joe Mazzulla is going to be able to keep the train on the tracks.
Warriors def. Lakers (123-109)
After receiving their fourth ring in the last eight seasons, the Warriors raised the banner and collected their jewelry before picking up where they left off. The Dubs breezed by the Lakers to start the season1-0. While the big three of LeBron James (31 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists), Anthony Davis (27 points, 6 rebounds), and Russell Westbrook (19 points, 11 rebounds) had solid individual stats, they got next to no help from their supporting cast. On the other side, Golden State moved the ball beautifully, producing 31 team assists with their signature free-flowing offense. Steph Curry led the way for the Dubs with 33 points. It looks like the Lakers might be in for another long season while the Warriors look poised to make a run at a potential fifth championship for this dynasty.
Additional Storylines
SI: After Opening Night Win, Celtics Express Their Belief in Joe Mazzulla and His Collaborative Approach
Yahoo!: Warriors Unveil Championship Ring With Yellow Diamonds, Secret Compartment, and a Dig at the Celtics
Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images