Warriors celebrate Oakland

Team opens final season at Oracle

Stephen Curry is coming off an injury-plagued season and a summer he thought might be among his best yet.

On a festive night of celebration as another championship banner went up late Tuesday night, Curry brought his usual flair and dazzle. Kevin Durant did all of the little things, too.

Curry had 32 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds, Durant added 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, and the Golden State Warriors opened their quest for a three-peat by holding off the Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-100.

“I love who we are, game 1 of 82,” Durant said. “Just keep grinding.”

Golden State needed a strong fourth quarter 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 Center .

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

Pistons

Detroit honored Aretha Franklin before its season opener Wednesday night by playing a recording of her singing the national anthem. Former Pistons star Isiah Thomas spoke briefly, asking for a moment of silence for Franklin, who died in August. After the moment of silence, and with no additional announcement, a recording of Franklin singing the anthem at the 2004 NBA Finals began playing while pictures scrolled on the scoreboard screen. A microphone was left unattended at midcourt while the anthem played.

Pelicans

New Orleans claimed guard Tim Frazier off waivers. The move brings Frazier back to a club with which he averaged 8.3 points and 5.6 assists in 81 games before he was traded to Washington shortly before the 2017 NBA draft. Frazier spent this preseason with Milwaukee.

Suns

Phoenix announced the signing of veteran guard Jamal Crawford. The announcement ahead of the team’s season opener against Dallas came two days after there were multiple reports that Crawford and the Suns had agreed to a one-year deal. The 38-yearold Crawford is entering his 19th NBA season.

Thursday

Game: Los Angeles Lakers at Portland Trail Blazers, Moda Center, Portland, Ore. When: 10:30 p.m. TV: TNT.

The skinny: LeBron James — No. 7 on the NBA’s alltime scoring list (31,038) and No. 11 on the assists list (8,208) — makes his debut for the Los Angeles Lakers.