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Golden State is looking to bounce back after losing the Finals in spectacular fashion to the Cavaliers last season. Tonight, they face the San Antonio Spurs in their first regular season game. With a revamped roster, many seem to agree anything but a title for the Warriors would be a complete loss.
MVPs
Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry both have had a productive summer. With the addition of former MVP Kevin Durant, this trio is expected to be triumphant. However, the word on the street is wondering– will Steph Curry be able to share the glory with Durant? The two are expected to become more connected and have better communication as the season progresses.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr says Kevin has been very productive.
Although Durant’s arrival may put some players on edge, he should fit in quite nicely with the motion-and-ball-movement style offense. Even if they don’t, Thompson has really shown his true colors. He secured 30 points in his 21 minutes of playing time against the Clippers at the beginning of the month. He’s also fifth in the league at 3-point shooting.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Topping the Western Conference, the Warriors are expected to win at least 66 games this season. Make no mistake, the next two highest win projections are Cleveland and San Antonio. Tuesday night’s game will be far from easy. The Spurs are expected to have 54 wins on the season and even without Tim Duncan, they still pose a challenge. Good communication between Curry and Durant will be the major key for this game.
DURANT KEEPING HIS COOL
Tons of hype is surrounding the first game, and some players still get first-game jitters, except for the new small forward. Durant also knows that even if they win, he’s not going to let anyone get cocky about it this early on in the season.Durant doesn’t let that bother him anymore.
Coach Kerr seconds that motion. Kerr explains that the team realizes the position that they are in, and how fortunate they are. He certainly doesn’t want to see that lost.
STARTING LINEUP
Stephen Curry, 30.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.7 apg
Klay Thompson, 22.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.1 apg,
Kevin Durant, 28.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 5.0 apg
Draymond Greene, 14.0 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 7.4 apg
Zaza Pachulia, 8.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 1.7 apg
This home game on Tuesday night will show a lot of things. But the number one thing is the Curry-Durant collaboration. It will either be destructive and disastrous, or amazing and appreciated. Find out tonight at 10:30 p.m.
