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The Golden State Warriors outlasted the LA Lakers 121-114 at Staples Center in both sides' first game of the 2021-22 NBA regular season.
With Stephen Curry recording a triple-double and some timely scoring from Jordan Poole, the Warriors continued their winning streak from the preseason into the regular campaign.
The Lakers' inconsistent play caught up to them after they led for the better part of the match. Russell Westbrook's disappointing debut was overshadowed by the performances of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who combined for 67 points.
Here are five talking points from the game:
#1 LeBron James continues to dominate for the LA Lakers
LeBron James continues to remind NBA fans why he is one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
Entering ESPN's list as the third-best player in the league currently, James put on a stellar display in the first half of Tuesday's match.
The 36-year-old started the game with a perfect 6-for-6 for the LA Lakers. He continues to dominate the floor playing primary ball-handler and playmaker. However, he has also done well in the role of a scorer.
Although his effort would be in vain, James recorded 34 points and 11 rebounds in the LA Lakers' losing effort.
#2 Golden State Warriors' bench contribution
A large part of the Golden State Warriors' success has been due to the bench's contribution.
Stephen Curry shot only 5-21 from the field but managed to record 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the Warriors' win. While Curry was cold from the field, his team's bench picked up the slack.
The additions of Nemanja Bjelica and Otto Porter Jr. have done wonders for the Golden State Warriors. Their ability to stretch the floor with their shooting also opens up lanes to drive.
Bjelica gave the Warriors some great minutes at the 5 as he recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Damian Lee was also a key contributor, providing important baskets to stunt the LA Lakers' scoring runs. Juan Toscano-Anderson was also another important player for the Warriors off the bench.
The Golden State Warriors bench combined for a total of 55 points as opposed to the LA Lakers' 29.
#3 Russell Westbrook's shooting woes
Russell Westbrook made his LA Lakers debut against the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, he put in an underwhelming performance.
Westbrook struggled to find his footing with the team on both ends of the floor. Starting the game off with a miserable 1-7 from the field, the 32-year-old wasn't able to produce from beyond the arc. He ended the game with eight points, five rebounds and four assists while shooting 4-13 from the field.
With LeBron James carrying the LA Lakers offense, Westbrook was seen in an off-the-ball role that didn't suit his playing style. He often found his teammates open, but the timing of his passes were not good enough.
Westbrook may have to focus on scoring in the next game, as passing too many times also creates opportunities to turn the ball over.
#4 Jordan Poole catches fire for the Golden State Warriors
Jordan Poole is on the verge of a breakout season for the Golden State Warriors. With the absence of Klay Thompson being a glaring omission in Tuesday's lineup, head coach Steve Kerr looked to the third-year player to step up.
After an electrifying preseason display, Poole put in a scintillating performance in the Warriors' opening-night game against the LA Lakers.
Although he started off cold, the 22-year-old caught fire in the second half as he solidified the Golden State Warriors' lead after consecutive scoring runs.
With a playing style akin to Stephen Curry's, Poole uses his speed to move without the ball and utilizes his nifty handle to create space off the dribble.
Equally adept at shooting and crafty at finishing at the rim, Poole ended the game with 20 points, two rebounds and three assists.
#5 What happened to the LA Lakers' defensive intensity?
A big problem with establishing a new lineup in the NBA is chemistry. While this includes both offensive and defensive aspects, the LA Lakers put in a dismal defensive performance against the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors were able to win the game because of the number of open looks they found within the Lakers' defense.
The Purple and Gold need to focus on completing their defensive rotations and gaining possession, something that was an issue against the Golden State Warriors.
The LA Lakers have had some of the best defensive rosters in the past two seasons. They will have to make a lot of adjustments this season to get back to their defensive best.
Guess the Lakers players!
