Curry became the first reigning MVP in history to score 40 or more points on opening night as the Golden State Warriors began their title defense by thumping the New Orleans Pelicans 111-95.
It was an evening of celebration for Golden State. The players received their 2014-15 championship rings in a pregame ceremony.
The Warriors, a 67-game winner in the regular season a year ago, won without coach Steve Kerr, who attended the ring ceremony but then headed to the Warriors locker room, where he rested an ailing back. Assistant Luke Walton coached the game.
Curry finished with 40 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
He nailed four three-pointers during a 24-point, first-quarter explosion, as the Warriors thrilled a crowd that had just taken its seats following the raising of the franchise's championship banner. —Agence France-Presse
source: gmanetwork.com
