The Brooklyn Nets secures a dominant victory over the Golden State Warriors in last night’s opening NBA matchup. The Nets beat the Warriors 125-99.
The Warriors came into this season missing 80% of their championship team from two seasons ago. Klay Thompson suffered a heartbreaking and season-ending injury just before the season began, leaving the Warriors with less to work with for yet another season. Draymond Green also had a foot injury he sustained during practice the previous week that left him out of last night’s opener. This left Steph Curry as the only all-star caliber player on the court, and sadly, Steph simply could not do it alone. The Warriors were also tasked with playing against their former team-mate and 10-time all-star, Kevin Durant.
The Nets had a lead over the Warriors for the entire night, ending the first quarter with a 15 point lead. From the moment of the opening whistle, the Nets prevailed over the Warriors on both sides of the court. They started a little scrappy, especially without star guard Kyrie Irving and KD on the floor, but by the 2nd quarter, the Nets functioned like a well-oiled machine. Kyrie Irving finished with 26 points and went for 10-16 from the field and 4-7 from the 3-point range. Kyrie certainly looked like he enjoyed playing on the court for the Nets and certainly complimented the team. Neither he nor KD showed any signs of missing their former team. The Nets without Kyrie and KD were a playoff level team. With them, they can make it to at least the eastern conference finals. Sadly, the Warriors looked like they lacked where they once excelled: team chemistry. Although Steph Curry will always be Steph Curry, the 6-time all-star went for 7-21 in the field and 2-10 from 3-point range and finished with 20 points and 10 assists. Curry finished the night as the highest-scoring Warrior.
The Nets can become one of the top teams this season with a healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. They already look comfortable playing together, and they look like they enjoy playing with each other. The Warriors have the opposite problem since they have a relatively new team with new dynamics. If the Warriors want to have a relatively successful season without one of their key players, Klay Thompson, they need to learn how to play as one and fast.
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