NBA Season Officially Underway by Luke Kopco

This week, basketball fans are rejoicing everywhere at the fact that the NBA is officially underway! Everyone is psyched to see how blockbuster trades, free-agent signings, and the up and coming stars pan out this season. The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics kicked off the season Tuesday in TD Garden. Boston led by only 5 points in the first half, but their star power ad Jason Tatum's 23 points proved to be too much for the Philly's young core as they cruised to an 18 point victory.

Later that night, the Oklahoma City Thunder, without former MVP Russell Westbrook, matched up against the reigning NBA Champion Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena in San Francisco. Before, the game, the Warriors were presented with their championship rings. Many expected a blowout, but Thunder small forward Paul George put the team on his back and scored 27 points, 15 of them in the third quarter. However, Golden State's sheer amount of talent along Kevin Durant's 27 points and Stephen Curry's 32 bested the Thunder. The Warriors won by a final score of 108-100. 

Tonight there are eleven games being played, with notable match-ups being James Harden and the Rockets vs Anthony Davis and the Pelicans, as well as a LeBronless Cavaliers vs the Toronto Raptors with newly acquired star Kawhi Leonard. The Los Angeles Lakers season opener is scheduled for for Thursday against the Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. It will be interesting to see how LeBron James fits in with the sophomores of the Lakers, as well as if Luke Walton will put in his death lineup with James running at the center position.

The NBA is back and better than ever. It will surely be a joy to see what kind of drama this season brings to the game of basketball.