The Golden State Warriors experienced a double-whammy Tuesday. Golden State blew a huge lead to the Houston Rockets and ended losing on opening night, 122-121. Before the defeat, they lost Draymond Green who suffered a strained left knee in the closing moments of the third quarter.
Green got injured when he was fouled by the Rockets' Trevor Ariza while attempting a running jumper. Following the call, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year limped and held onto his knee. He went on to shoot the free-throws but was obviously hurting. According to ESPN, when the third period ended, Green headed to the locker room and never came back.
In almost 30 minutes on the floor, Green recorded nine points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists for the Warriors.
As of the moment, the severity of Green's injury is unknown. It is also yet to be determined if he will rest and sit out a few games. The Warriors are going to need the 27-year-old, especially in their next three outings which are all on the road. After the Rockets, the Dubs are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (October 20), Memphis Grizzlies (October 21), and Dallas Mavericks (October 23).
Warriors leaders
In the defeat to the Houston Rockets, the Golden State Warriors were led by their stars. Aside from Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson stepped up for the defending NBA champions.
Curry overcame a slow start to finish with 22 points. Durant added 20, while Thompson had 16.
A huge surprise for Golden State was the veteran, Nick Young. The 32-year-old top-scored for the Warriors with 23 points off the bench. Young proved that he could be the newest Splash Brother as he shot 8-of-9 from the field, including 6-of-7 from the three-point territory.
History repeats itself
The failure to win the first game of the regular season is nothing new for the Golden State Warriors. In the 2016-17 season, the Dubs lost in their opener as well. At that time, it was another team from Texas that beat them. If this season it was the Houston Rockets, last season the San Antonio Spurs did it.
The Spurs dominated the Warriors, 129-100.
Golden State is expected to bounce back. Though it will be a tough task to accomplish since the Warriors' next contest is versus the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans, who will rely on the twin towers of Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins, are projected to improve this season. They are possible playoff contenders in the Western Conference.