Defending NBA champions Warriors start season with win over LA Lakers

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Reigning NBA champions the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday began the 2022-23 season with a bang, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109.

The first half ended with a 59-52 score in favor of the Warriors as they took a 20-point lead with 91-71 in the third quarter at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

Stephen Curry led his team to victory with 33 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, as Andrew Wiggins added 20 points and Klay Thompson contributed 18.

For the losing side, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook both racked up double-doubles.

James produced 31 points and 14 rebounds, and Westbrook finished the game with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Anthony Davis helped his team with 27 points.

"I'm thrilled with the win. Ring night is never an easy game and the first game of the season is usually filled with some nerves early on," Golden State coach Steve Kerr said after the game.

Just before the game, the Warriors held a special ring ceremony. The rings feature nearly 16 carats of yellow and white diamonds set into yellow gold to represent the Warriors' 16 victories during the 2022 playoffs, marking the first time a championship ring has been made up primarily of yellow diamonds.

- Celtics beat Sixers 126-117 in season opener

The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers with a 126-117 score in their first game of the season at home at TD Garden.

The Sixers led 29-24 at the end of the first half but the Celtics had a good start in the second quarter, building their lead to 39-34.

The Celtics dominated the remaining quarters, and the game ended 126-117 in their favor.

Jayson Tatum posted a double-double with 35 points and 12 rebounds while Jaylen Brown scored 35 points.

For the Sixers, James Harden scored 35 points and Joel Embiid made a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds.

"It was just unique and special," said Brown. "It feels a little bit better knowing who we were playing and who we were playing for."