Curry guides Warriors past Thunder in opener

[October 17, 2018]  Stephen Curry capped a game-high, 32-point performance with a key three-point play with 1:46 remaining Tuesday night, helping the host Golden State Warriors hold off the Russell Westbrook-less Oklahoma City Thunder 108-100 in the second half of the NBA's opening-night doubleheader.

Kevin Durant dropped in 27 points for the Warriors, who overcame 7-for-26 shooting from 3-point range to win on opening night for the first time in three seasons.

Paul George had a team-high 27 points and Dennis Schroder made his Oklahoma City debut with 21 points. They helped the Thunder hang tough with the two-time defending champions while Westbrook watched from courtside, still rehabbing a surgically repaired knee.

Curry's three-point play came after the Thunder, down by 14 in the first half, had closed within 99-97 when Steven Adams converted the second of two free throws with 1:57 to go.

Durant added a hoop, two free throws and an assist in the final 1:06, helping Golden State hold on.

George scored 13 points in the first 3:56 of the third period, leading a 21-10 Thunder flurry that produced Oklahoma City's first lead of the game at 67-66.

Two free throws by Thunder forward Jerami Grant tied the game at 87-all with 9:21 to go before two free throws by Durant nine seconds later gave Golden State the lead for good.

Curry, who hit 11 of 20 shots and 5 of 9 3-point attempts, also found time for nine assists and eight rebounds.

Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the basketball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Abrines (8) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Kevon Looney recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Draymond Green grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds for the Warriors, who split the four-game season series with the Thunder last season.

Adams had a double-double for the Thunder with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

The Warriors led for the first 28 minutes, with Curry propelling them to an early 31-19 advantage by making his first two 3-point attempts.

A free throw by Durant with 3:04 left in the half gave Golden State a 53-39 lead, which the Thunder trimmed to 57-47 by halftime.

--Field Level Media

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