Warriors get rings, then beat Thunder in opener

OAKLAND: Stephen Curry had 32 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, Kevin Durant added 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists, and the Golden State Warriors opened their quest for a three-peat by holding off the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-100 on the opening night of the NBA season.

Golden State needed a strong fourth quarter to win on a festive night after the two-time defending champions received their 2018 rings in a pregame ceremony shortly before tipoff and began the final season at Oracle Arena before a move across San Francisco Bay to new Chase Centre.

“It’s a great move for the organisation. We know that but this place is special, so we want to make sure this is a special season,” coach Steve Kerr said.

Klay Thompson shot just five of 20 for 14 points while centre Damian Jones scored 12 points on 6-of-7 shooting for the Warriors in his first career start and 26th game.

Paul George scored 27 points for the Thunder, who struggled to find an offensive groove while missing star Russell Westbrook because of knee surgery last month.

In Boston, Jayson Tatum had 23 points and nine rebounds, and Boston beat Philadelphia 105-87 in the season opener for both teams.

Marcus Morris added 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Al Horford had nine points and five blocks.

The Celtics survived a lethargic start and rough shooting night but rallied to lead by as many as 18 in the second half.

Boston won despite shooting just 43 per cent (42 of 97) from the field and 30 per cent from the threepoint line (11 of 37).

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ben Simmons finished with 19 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.