ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The 2022-2023 NBA season started Tuesday night. The Golden State Warriors started their title defense by beating the Los Angeles Lakers 123-109. The Boston Celtics made it to finals last year and lost to the Warriors. The Celtics started the season with a win 126-117 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Warriors vs Lakers
Before the tip-off the pregame ceremony commenced with speeches from the players and the general manager Bob Myers. The Warriors hung up their 2021-22 championship banner and received their 16 carat championship rings. According to ESPN, the 16 carats on the ring represent the 16 games the Warriors won in the playoffs.
Goodnight, #DubNation pic.twitter.com/TCOpciPrqY
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 19, 2022
The Warriors had a slow start to the game but pushed through to win and continue the celebratory night. Stephen Curry finished the game with 33 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Curry shot four for 13 behind the arc from three. Forward Andrew Wiggins had 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. Shooting guard Klay Thompson had 18 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Lebron James led the Lakers with 31 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Forward Anthony Davis collected 27 points and six rebounds. Point guard Russell Westbrook had 19 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Celtics vs 76ers
Starting the season off with a W ✅ pic.twitter.com/4gleODRk9L
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 19, 2022
The Celtics and the 76ers were tied at halftime, but Boston was able to pull away in the third quarter to take the season-opener win. The Celtics suspended coach Ime Udoka and hired interim head coach Joe Mazzulla. After the winning game, according to ESPN, Mazzulla said he was appreciative of the players’ trust in him and the relationship he has with the team.
Celtics Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown were on their game, both players collected 35 points. Tatum had 12 rebounds and four assists. Point guard Marcus Smart collected 14 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
Shooting guard James Harden led the 76ers with 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Former Gainesville resident Joel Embiid collected 26 points, 15 rebounds and five assists. Point guard Tyrese Maxey had 21 points.
Upcoming NBA Games
The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 20 at 10 p.m. The Denver Nuggets travel to play against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21 at 10 p.m. The Philadelphia 76ers host the Milwaukee Bucks on Oct 20. at 7:30 p.m. The Boston Celtics hit the road to take on the Miami Heat on Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
