For the second consecutive season, a Russell Westbrook-led Los Angeles Lakers team has opened its season against the Golden State Warriors, and for the second consecutive season, the Warriors have left that first goal as the winner. Golden State defeated Los Angeles 123-109 on opening night after hoisting the fourth championship banner of the Stephen Curry era in the rafters.
Curry led the way with 33 points for Golden State, but it was a balanced offense and, more importantly, a voracious defense that led to the win. The Warriors held the Lakers to just 25 percent shooting from behind the arc, and that poor spacing allowed them to protect the rim without worrying about the Lakers punishing them from deep. LeBron James and Anthony Davis put up their typical point totals, but they did so inefficiently, and the rest of the Lakers’ roster was very disappointing offensively.
Things are not easier for the Lakers, who have to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. The Warriors will have a big test next Thursday when they face the Denver Nuggets and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The Lakers and Warriors will meet three more times this season, and if the Lakers hope to compete with the defending champions in any of those games, they’ll need a lot more from their supporting cast.