By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA
The regular season in National Basketball Association (NBA) tipped off on Tuesday evening as the reigning champion Golden State Warriors received championship rings and raised banner.
The Warriors defeated visiting Oklahoma City Thunder at Oracle Arena 108-100 in a Western Conference showdown to start the season with a win.
Stephen Curry started the season on form as he scored 32 points, dished out 9 assists and grabbed 8 rebounds.
2018 Finals MVP (Most Valuable Player) Kevin Durant also played an all-around game, scoring 27 points, making 6 assists and grabbing 8 rebounds.
In absence of Russell Westbrook, Paul George scored 27 points, Dennis Schroder chipped in with 21 points and Steven Adams made a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to beat the Warriors.
Before the match, the Golden State Warriors squad and management received their championship rings and hung the 6th championship banner to their arena.
The Warriors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in 4 matches last season to claim the 6th title in their history.
In the Eastern Conference, Boston Celtics beat Philadelphia 76ers at home with a 105-87 score to start their season.
Jayson Tatum was the high scorer for the Celtics with 23 points, Marcus Morris, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier all scored in double-digits to help their team.
For 76ers, Joel Embiid scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Ben Simmons scored 19 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and dished out 8 assists, but it was not enough.
