Golden State Warriors snatch an early win over LA Lakers on the opening night of 2021-22 NBA season. In an unbelievable victory over LeBron James and the Lakers, Stephen Curry recorded a triple-double. However, the stars of the night for the Warriors were Jordan Poole and Nemanja Bjelica.
Although Golden State started the game with a commanding lead they lost it in the first quarter and did not regain it until the 8-minute mark in the fourth. At one point in the third quarter, it looked like the Warriors were never going to bounce back from the double-digit deficit. Stephen Curry was struggling from the field shooting 5-21 and 4 turnovers.
Stephen Curry has his eighth career triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists (first since Jan. 22, 2016 vs. Indiana).
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) October 20, 2021
But as foreshadowed in the preseason, Jordan Poole and Nemanja Bjelica stepped up big time and cut the deficit to take the lead. Even though Curry struggled from the scoring end he made up for it by playmaking and rebounding.
With 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals Stephen Curry recorded his first triple-double since January 22 2016. He acknowledged the poor efficiency tonight in the courtside interview after the game.
"I played like trash… but if we can win a game like that, where we created some good shot and stuck with it defensively… that's a good omen for us."
Steph Curry kept it real with @ALaForce after the @warriors opening night victory. #NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/lCygmmz9Ym
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 20, 2021
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Jordan Poole and Nemanja Bjelica stepped up when Stephen Curry struggled
Jordan Poole is on pace to have a MIP season under the leadership of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. The young guard out of Michigan was the second-leading scorer for the Golden State Warriors tonight with 20 points. It was Poole who cut the lead late in fourth and helped the Warriors take the charge.
His exceptional performance in the preseason is why the Warriors went 6-0. Poole is proving to be a two-way guard for the team stepping into Klay Tompson’s shoes. He earned his spot on the starting lineup and if Jordan continues to perform in this manner he will definitely win the most improved player award this season.
33-year old forward Nemanja Bjelica is another reason why Golden State won the season opener against LA Lakers. He concluded the game with 15 points on 85.7% FG and 11 rebounds. He came up big in crucial moments and ensured the W.
LeBron fadeaway is too smooth. 🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 20, 2021
LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 67 points albeit in a loss. in his 19th year in the NBA James is playing on an elite level. He started the game going 6-6 from the field and 2-2 beyond the arc. The rest of the Lakers roaster, however, scored only 47 points which is concerning. Russell Westbrook’s debut in the Staples centre was underwhelming as he scored 8 points on 4-13 shooting with 4 turnovers.
These teams will face each other 3 more times in the regular season and hopefully in the playoffs as well.
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