LeBron James lifted the Larry O'Brien Trophy just 72 days ago as the Lakers returned to NBA action.
Last night was the opening night for the new 2020/2021 NBA Season.
It's the shortest ever off-season in history between season openers.
Defending Champions the Los Angeles Lakers were one of four teams back in action.
Los Angeles Lakers 109 - Los Angeles Clippers 116
- It was 'ring night' for the Lakers, as the players were presented with their championship rings pre-game.
- LeBron James and Anthony Davis both started for the Lakers.
- New arrivals Dennis Schröder and Marc Gasol, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, rounded out the starting five.
- Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George also started, with both playing over 30 minutes.
- George was the star of the show, putting up 33 points, including 5 threes.
- It was new Clippers coach Ty Lue's first game in charge.
- Kawhi was second in scoring for the Clippers with 26, with 15 from new acquisition Serge Ibaka.
- It's the Clippers last win over the Lakers since Christmas Day of 2019.
PG AGAIN.
He's not slowing down pic.twitter.com/SWISIWu3u6— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 23, 2020
Brooklyn Nets 125 - 99 Golden State Warriors
- Kevin Durant made his first NBA season start since injuring his Achilles tendon in the 2019 playoffs.
- He paired up with co-star Kyrie Irving for the first time since they both signed with Brooklyn last year.
- The Warriors were without power forward Draymond Green due to a foot injury.
- Steph Curry was joined by number 2 draft-pick James Wiseman in the Warriors starting five.
- Durant returned to form, putting up 22 points and 5 rebounds.
- Irving led the Nets in scoring, with Caris Levert scoring 20 points off the bench.
- Post-game, Kevin Durant had an awkward confrontation with TNT host Charles Barkley (see below).
- The Nets and the Warriors will both look to improve on last year's losing records.
Chuck's face after KD's short answer 😭
(via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/SllFXFgwAT— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 23, 2020
Tonight will see 13 teams return to the court, with last year's finalists the Miami Heat taking on the Orlando Magic.
The Boston Celtics host Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the TD Garden.
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