It was a sellout Oracle Arena in Oakland on Tuesday night as the Golden State Warriors began their title defence. It was the first game of the 2017-18 NBA season, as the Warriors hosted the Houston Rockets on the night they received their championship rings. The stage was set, with more than 19,000 energetic Warriors fans in the stands, ready to see their team start the season with a win.

Golden State played without Andre Iguodala in this one as he missed the game with a back strain. The Rockets also entered this game, and the season in general, with big expectations and hopes.

Houston acquired Chris Paul this past summer and they are hoping that the combination of Paul and James Harden can help them compete for the title this season.

Houston escapes with a narrow victory

It was a high-scoring first quarter on Tuesday night, as little defense was played by both teams in the first period. The Warriors held a 35-34 lead after the first 12 minutes of the game. Their lead increased in the second quarter, and they led by as much as 17 points (66-49) in the first half. The score was 71-62 for the home squad at halftime. The Warriors once again showed how good they are at offensive, as they went on to score 30 points in the third quarter. They outscored Houston 30-26 in the period and held a 101-88 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

But it was in the final period of the game when Houston's comeback started. They opened up the final period with a 13-3 run and managed to cut the lead down to just three points early in the period (104-101). With less than a minute left, the Rockets took a 120-119 lead and they managed to survive in this one and celebrate a 122-121 victory.

Kevin Durant tried to win it for the Warriors in the final second of the game, but his shot came late as the time expired.

Harden leads the Rockets

Houston had six different players in double-digit scoring in this game. James Harden led the way for the Rockets as he finished with 27 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Eric Gordon helped with 24 points, while P.J.

Tucker added 20 points and six rebounds off the Rockets bench. Houston outrebounded Golden State 53-42 in this one.

Nick Young was the leading scorer for the Warriors on Tuesday night. Young came off the bench and finished the game with 23 points as he made six three-pointers. Stephen Curry added 22 points and five rebounds, while Kevin Durant finished with 20 points, seven assists and four blocks for the Warriors.
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