![Boston's Jayson Tatum helped lead his team to a win on opening night. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/10/17/660x290/b_502x220x82/bostons-jayson-tatum-helped-lead-his-team-to-a-win-on-opening-night-image-via-nbayoutube_2122821.jpg "Boston's Jayson Tatum helped lead his team to a win on opening night. - [NBA / YouTube screencap]")
The 2018-19 NBA season officially tipped off on Tuesday (October 16), with just two games on the schedule. In one contest, the Boston Celtics hosted the Philadelphia 76ers and came away with a convincing 105-87 win. In the second game, the reigning champion Golden State Warriors held off the Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-100. Below are the top players from last night's action.
Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
While Boston had their All-Stars, Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving finally on the floor again, it was the sophomore sensation stepping up. Tatum picked up where he left off in the 2018 NBA Playoffs, scoring 23 points to go with nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal in the win.
Jayson Tatum shines in the @celtics opening night win with 23 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST! #CUsRise #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/FbWCvDGF5p
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2018
Joel Embiid - Philadelphia 76ers
Although it was a losing effort, Joel Embiid was balling in the first game of the new season. The big man recorded a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds. He also had two assists and swatted away two shots. Oh yeah, he also connected on a three-pointer. Not bad for the big man.
JO3L 3MBIID. pic.twitter.com/g1im6wRkcO
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 17, 2018
Ben Simmons - Philadelphia 76ers
Simmons is the reigning Rookie of the Year, and probably will be on pace for an All-Star nod. He fell short of a triple-double, which was in a losing effort, but his stat line was nice. The Sixers point guard had 19 points, 15 boards, eight assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Ben Simmons stuffs the stat sheet with 19 PTS, 15 REB, 8 AST in Boston. #HereTheyCome #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/wSQCMgIvov
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2018
Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
The two-time NBA MVP looked sharp after his team collected their championship rings. Chef Curry cooked up a nice game, with 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting. He was close to a triple-double, as well, with nine assists and eight rebounds in the win.
Steph splash #5 💦
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 17, 2018
📺@NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/Rv1Ta2MNWJ
Kevin Durant - Golden State Warriors
With all due respect to Paul George, KD was on the winning side of this one. Durant added 27 points, along with grabbing eight boards and dishing out six assists. He and Curry nearly combined for 60 points to defeat the visiting Thunder.
Kevin Durant (27 PTS), Klay Thompson (14 PTS) help the @warriors prevail at Oracle Arena! #DubNation #KiaTipOff18 pic.twitter.com/beK9UjHZkE
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2018
