The Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets didn’t start their 2021-22 NBA season the way they probably would’ve liked. Despite being considered NBA championship contenders this season and favored to meet in the finals, both the Lakers and the Nets suffered defeats in their season openers.
The Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors, and it seemed at one point that they would kickstart the veteran stars era of their team with an important win. But despite leading as many as 10 points on one occasion, the LA team couldn’t hold on.
The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, crawled their way back into the game by the end of the third quarter and then completely demolished the Lakers in the fourth quarter to claim a 121-114 win. Curry had his eighth career triple-double with 21 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists, while guard Jordan Poole added 20 points as well. Four other Golden State players scored in double digits.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis had big nights for the Lakers, scoring 34 points and 33 points, respectively. However, they lacked support from their teammates, especially newcomer Russell Westbrook, who had just eight points in his debut for the franchise.
The Nets didn’t fare any better against the defending champs. The Bucks had a strong start to the game that saw them have a 12-point lead after the first quarter. Brooklyn managed to get their deficit to a manageable seven points in the second period, but it was all Milwaukee after that.
The Bucks ended up getting a comfortable 127-104 win that was highlighted by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. All-Star Khris Middleton had 20 points and nine boards, while Pat Connaughton scored 20 as well.
Kevin Durant scored 32 points and added 11 rebounds for the Nets, while fellow superstar James Harden delivered a near triple-double with 20 points, eight boards, and eight assists.
Brooklyn is facing the Philadelphia 76ers next while the Lakers welcome the Phoenix Suns at their Staples Center.
