Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Anaheim, California, Oct 8, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Los Angeles Lakers, the NBA champions opened the pre-season with victory in the match against Golden State Warriors. The first match of the Lakers was held on Wednesday at Honda Center where they had scored 118-101 to pave their way to victory. Andrew Bynum had managed a score of 24 points and Kobe Bryant had added 22 points more to it. Bryant also scored 9 rebounds which was highest for the team.

Phil Jackson, the coach of the Lakers team expected to get lot from his players. Don Nelson the coach of Golden State Warriors in the news conference before the game stated the reasons which might make the team to face problem in the match. They missed Monta Ellis, the guard of the team as he had received left ankle sprain after missing baseline jumper in the game and accidentally stepped on one of the photographers standing there.

Monta Ellis in the last season had to miss fifty seven matches for his sprain in this ankle. The Warriors are checking the improvement of Ellis on regular basis and hopes to get him back before the Friday match against Los Angeles Lakers. They also want him for Saturday’s outdoor game against Phoenix.

Kelenna Azubuike, the guard of the team also known to be the best player of the Warrior’s team also missed the game for having left ankle sprain. None of the injuries are considered to be very serious and the players are expected to return shortly. Stephen Curry had tried to help the team in the absence of these two players but could manage 11 points in the match. Anthony Morrow scored 25 points and became the highest scorer of the Warrior followed by Anthony Randolph who had scored 18 points with 12 rebounds.