Don’t expect Draymond Green trade, Curry says end of Warriors era when they can’t win

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1) Lakers can’t shoot, Warriors can. Ballgame.

Forget about whether or not Russell Westbrook begins or comes off the bench (he began — and mentioned his preseason hamstring tweak used to be because of coming off the bench). Forget about whether or not Anthony Davis is able to be the Lakers’ No.1 possibility for a complete season or if LeBron James can outrun Father Time and make a complete advert marketing campaign round it (with Jason Momoa as Father Time). None of the ones issues is the Lakers’ greatest downside at the moment. The actual factor:

The Lakers can’t shoot.

Los Angeles used to be 10-of-40 from 3 of their first sport and 0-of-5 on pictures out of doors the paint out to the arc. The Lakers have been 3-of-23 on pictures out of doors the paint within the first part. Sometimes an image is value 100 phrases, this is the Lakers’ shot chart from their opener:

This isn’t a one-off, the Lakers shot 28.6% from 3 and 39.8% total within the preseason. LeBron used to be requested about it after the sport and threw the blame the place it belongs: Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ mind consider.

“I think we’re getting great looks and I think there also could be teams giving us great looks. I mean, if you be completely honest, we’re not a team that’s constructed of great shooting, and that’s just what the truth of the matter is. It’s not like we’re sitting here with a lot of lasers on our team.”

Meanwhile, the Warriors are superb at taking pictures, which is why they gained on ring night time and are actually 1-0 after cruising to a 123-109 win over the Lakers.

Stephen Curry led all scorers with 33 issues, plus pitched in seven assists, six rebounds and 4 steals. Andrew Wiggins had 20 issues, Klay Thompson 18, and whilst it wasn’t a sizzling taking pictures Warriors crew, they have been 16-of-45 from 3 (35.6%) and 10-of-15 from the midrange (out of doors the paint out to the arc).

Steve Kerr used to be ready to head 11 deep into his roster within the first part and consider guys may make performs, which saved the Warriors contemporary as they shook off the preseason rust. A 23-4 run within the 3rd quarter through Golden State necessarily ended the sport.

LeBron performed neatly, 31 issues, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Anthony Davis had 27 issues and used to be lively at the defensive end. Westbrook scored 19 issues on 7-of-12 taking pictures and had 11 forums. The Lakers weren’t anticipated to overcome the protecting champs at the highway, however how they misplaced is regarding.

How the Warriors gained, while not having to enter excessive gears for prolonged stretches, is a reminder that they will win so much of video games this season.

2) Tatum, Brown select up the place they left off, scoring 70 in Celtics’ win

It’s only one sport, however in that sport the Celtics spoke back the “how will they respond to adversity” query for an evening with a dominant efficiency from their stars.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown mixed for 70 issues. Tatum had 35 issues on 13-of-20 taking pictures with 12 rebounds, whilst Brown were given his 35 issues on 14-of-24 taking pictures. Philadelphia had no defensive solutions.

All that ended in a 126-117 win over the 76ers on opening night time. There have been lots of vivid spots for the Boston trustworthy. Malcolm Brogdon got here off the bench and scored 15 issues on 7-of-11 taking pictures, taking a look like he used to be nonetheless making an attempt to slot in at issues however offering the extra shot introduction the Celtics want from him. Boston additionally managed the tempo and used their 24 speedy destroy level to tug clear of the 76ers.

Sixers trainer Doc Rivers mentioned after the sport he preferred the play from his starters, no longer such a lot the bench. Joel Embiid completed with 26 issues, 15 rebounds and 5 assists, however the Celtics doubled him to take the ball out of his arms, he made good passes out of the doubles maximum of the time, however the different Sixers couldn’t take complete merit.

James Harden had a monster first part with 22 issues and used to be +10, and he completed with 35 issues on 9-of-14 taking pictures, plus he were given to the road 12 instances and had a team-high seven assists. He is obviously again from the hamstring that slowed him closing season.

Of path, Harden additionally did this, shimmying after which throwing up an airball.

Harden struggled defensively, particularly in transition, however there’s a lengthy line of 76ers avid gamers getting beat off the dribble on this sport. That contains Tyrese Maxey, who completed with 21 issues and had some sturdy stretches.

The remodeled Sixers bench didn’t have a excellent night time, with 11 issues general on 4-of-13 taking pictures. Grant Williams by myself had 15 off the Celtics’ bench.

3) Celtics opened the season with shifting Bill Russell tribute

Before tip-off, the Celtics had a shifting and strong Bill Russell tribute.

One of the highlights used to be Brown speaking in regards to the affect and legacy of Russell.

After the sport, Brown mentioned how he got here to that speech.

The Celtics had No.6 patches on their jerseys, which have been particular version and integrated script lettering used on the Slade’s Bar and Grill eating place that Russell owned. It used to be a pleasant contact and a reminder of a person who introduced 11 championships to Boston however did way more together with his civil rights paintings off the court docket than he ever did on it.

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