Kyrie Irving scored 26 points and Kevin Durant added 22 in three quarters as the Brooklyn Nets took control early and cruised to a 125-99 victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors in Wednesday's (NZ time) NBA season opener.
The duo was spectacular in their first regular-season game since joining the Nets as free agents in July 2019, as Brooklyn led by any as 38 points in Steve Nash's coaching debut.
Limited to 20 games last season due to shoulder injuries, Irving made 10 of 16 shots and hit four 3-pointers in his first game since February 1. Irving also added four assists and four rebounds.
In his first game since rupturing his Achilles' in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals with Golden State against Toronto, Durant made 7 of 16 shots, hit all seven of his free throws and contributed five rebounds to go along with three assists in 24:56.
Caris LeVert added 20 points as the Nets shot 45.7 percent and ended a seven-game losing streak in season openers.
Stephen Curry posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists but, after being limited to five games last season due to a broken left hand, he shot 7 of 21 and missed eight of 10 3-point tries.
Rookie James Wiseman added 19 points for the Warriors, who shot 37.4 percent and played without Draymond Green (strained right foot).
Andrew Wiggins contributed 13 points but shot 4 of 16 while new acquisition Kelly Oubre was held to six points on 3 of 14 from the floor.
In the day's second game, Paul George scored 26 of his 33 points in the second half, and the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers 116-109.
Before the game, the Lakers handed out rings celebrating their 2019-20 NBA championship.
George converted 13 of 18 shots from the floor, including 5 of 8 from 3-point range.
Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points, Serge Ibaka added 15, Ivica Zubac and Lou Williams contributed 11 each and Patrick Beverley chipped in with 10.
LeBron James had 22 points, five assists and five rebounds while Anthony Davis added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers.
Former Clipper Montrezl Harrell had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Kyle Kuzma scored 15 points. Dennis Schroder amassed 14 points, a game-high 12 rebounds and eight assists.
