It's the opening day of the NBA 2016-17 season, and basketball fans are blessed with an amazing game on the opening day on Tuesday. The third game of the day between San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena has become the major talking point, with a number of incredible players set to feature in Oakland.
The Warriors wil field a line-up that includes Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green; while Spurs have Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Both teams have made some huge signings with the Warriors getting Kevin Durant and Spurs acquiring the services of Pau Gasol, which spices up this Tuesday-night contest.
After losing the NBA finals to Cleveland Cavaliers, Warriors will be more than eager to start the season on a bright note, and fire a warning shot avross the bows of other teams in the competition. They have the goods -- in the form of huge players -- who will also look for a wonderful season ahead. It goes without saying Durant's inclusion has made Warriors an even stronger team.
The former Thunder player – Durant -- has only been with the team for the past few weeks, and coach Steve Kerr is pleased with the way he has picked up Warriors' style of play.
"He still has some learning to do. But he has really picked up on the kind of way we play. There's a little chaos, but there's also some pattern to the chaos and I think he's embracing the chaos, for sure. I think he's adapting and fitting in well. But it's only been a few weeks, so the little nuances, there's still stuff that he's figuring out," AFP quoted Kerr as saying.
Kerr's opposite number Gregg Popovich, who has been working with Spurs for the last two decades, knows the importance of getting a good start in the ever-competitive NBA. A win in their opening game against the Warriors will give them immense confidence to take on other big teams in the competition.
Compared to the past, Pop does not have his big weapon Tim Duncan, who quit the sport after being one of the best players for the franchise for several years. In Duncan's absence, they will look to Parker and Ginobili for inspiration while Gasol will hope to have a great first season with the Spurs.
The new signing, however, shouldn't try too hard to replicate Duncan's points, but just play his natural game, which is top-notch. Besides the above-mentioned players, Leonard, who has become the face of the team, must shoulder the responsibility against the Warriors on Tuesday.
All in all, the opening night in Oakland is setting up to be a cracker of a contest in store. One hopes that the players bring their A game, and the supporters gets their dollars' worth.
Where to Watch Live
Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs is set to begin at 10.30pm ET (3.30am BST, 8am IST next day). Live Streaming and TV guide for the NBA match is given below.
India: TV: Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live Streaming: Sonyliv.
USA: TV: TNT. Live Streaming: TNT Overtime.
UK: TV: BT Sport. Live Streaming: Watch BT Sport.
Australia: TV: ESPN. Live Streaming: Foxtel.
International: NBA Online.
