Rockets knock off Warriors
James Hardin scored 27 points and P.J. Tucker hit a pair of deciding free throws with 44 seconds left as the Houston Rockets beat the defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors, 122-121, in the season opener last night in Oakland, Calif.
The Warriors appeared to have won the game when Kevin Durant hit a jumper from the left baseline at the buzzer. However, video replay showed the ball still in Durant’s hand when the clock ran out.
Stephen Curry finished with 22 points and Durant 20 for the Warriors, who squandered a 101-88 lead after three quarters. The loss spoiled the celebration for the Warriors, who received their championship rings after their NBA title victory last spring against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Eric Gordon added 24 points and Tucker 20 for the Rockets. Chris Paul, in his first game with Houston after signing as a free agent during the offseason, had just four points but chipped in eight rebounds and 11 assists.
Elsewhere in the NBA — Bulls starting power forward Nikola Mirotic will miss tomorrow night’s season opener and be sidelined indefinitely after getting punched in the face by teammate Bobby Portis during a practice altercation.
The Bulls released a statement saying Mirotic suffered a concussion and “maxillary fractures” and that “surgery is likely required.” One source said Mirotic had two broken bones after Portis connected and could miss up to three weeks. He has since been released from the hospital.
The Bulls said they are evaluating disciplinary action, but Portis is almost certain to draw a suspension.
With Mirotic out up to three weeks, it’s uncertain how coach Fred Hoiberg will handle his lineup. One possibility would be to start rookie Lauri Markkanen . . . .
The Denver Nuggets tinkered with their lineup on the eve of the season opener by bringing in veteran forward Richard Jefferson on a one-year deal worth $2.3 million.