The Golden State Warriors kicked off the defence of their NBA title in perfect fashion with a 123-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center.
In the wake of the pre-season fracas between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, Finals MVP Steph Curry led the way for the champions with 33 points, six rebounds and seven assists after the Warriors were presented with their championship rings.
The Lakers did outscore Steve Kerr's side 38-32 in the fourth quarter, with LeBron James coming up with 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, while Anthony Davis had 27 points to his name.
However, the damage had been done by the seven-time champions earlier in the contest, as they ended the match with a 35.6% three-pointer percentage compared with the Lakers' 25%.
The Lakers have now suffered defeat on the opening day for the sixth season running, and the 76ers were also on the wrong end of the scoreline in the inaugural game of the season with the Boston Celtics.
Last season's beaten finalists also began the 2022-23 campaign off the back of controversy, as Joe Mazzulla took interim charge following Ime Udoka's suspension for violating team policies.
On the court, though, the Celtics recovered from a first-quarter deficit to run out 126-117 victors over the Philadelphia 76ers, as Jayson Tatum hit 35 points, 12 rebounds and four assists.
James Harden match Tatum's points haul for the 76ers, as well as registering eight rebounds and seven assists and notching five three-pointers in the defeat.
Ben Knapton
