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#3 Steve Nash proves the doubters wrong for now
Steve Nash's appointment as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets was met with immense skepticism. This was his first-ever gig as a coach and not many believed he could handle the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Yet in the first game, the two-time MVP got his two superstars to play unselfish basketball.
The ball movement from the Brooklyn Nets was incredibly fluid. Besides the odd possession where Kyrie took on the Golden State Warriors defense single-handedly, the ball always managed to find a way to the open man. As a result, the Nets managed 40 points in the first quarter of the game, their highest ever total in a season opener.
#2 James Wiseman impresses on debut
James Wiseman was the only starter for the Golden State Warriors who shot the ball efficiently, managing 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Having said that, it was fairly evident that this was Wiseman's first competitive game in over a year.
He made the usual rookie mistakes such as trying to force the issue himself and holding on to the ball far too long at times. Having said that, the confidence was there to see. He wasn't afraid of using his strength and athleticism to get to the basket.
Wiseman also displayed a chiseled-out shooting motion while attempting jumpers further away from the basket. The future is bright for the Golden State Warriors rookie. Expect him to keep improving from here onwards.
#1 Kevin Durant impresses on return game but Kyrie Irving steals the show
The world waited with bated breath for the official return of Kevin Durant and he did not disappoint. KD pulled out the crossovers and flushes in transition to wow the viewers. He even dished out a few quality dimes as he ended the night with 22 points, three assists, and three steals.
However, it was Kyrie Irving who really stole the show. Irving displayed his slick handles to toy with the Golden State Warriors and even managed a rake in a deep three-pointer to close the first half. He finished the game with 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting and had a plus-minus rating of 32.
Also read: Golden State Warriors 99-125 Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant's return sends NBA Twitter into a frenzy
Guess the Lakers players!
