NBA 2015-2016 season game results, final scores, highlights: Thunder drops Spurs in season opener as Kevin Durant returns in action

The Oklahoma City Thunder won their first game of the NBA 2015-2016 season after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in a thrilling opener 112-106.

Russell Westbrook scored a game-high 33 points and 10 assists, while a returning Kevin Durant added 22 points to help Billy Donovan win his NBA coaching debut on Wednesday night (Thursday AEDT). Kawhi Leonard had a career-high 32 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but the Spurs could not capitilise on the Thunder’s offence.

Durant, who is in his first game since February, buried a three-pointer in just a little over four minutes in the ball game off a Westbrook feed to give the Thunder a 99-97 lead. Tony Parker, who posted 10 points, put the Spurs back up by two, but Dion Waiters’ back-to-back baskets and Westbrook’s 3-pointer got the Thunder back in the driver’s seat with 54.2 seconds remaining.

Leonard cut Oklahoma’s lead to two after completing a three-point play with 42 seconds left. The Spurs had a chance to tie or win the game after Westbrook missed a jumper, but Danny Green’s off-balance three was blocked by Kiwi big man Steven Adams.

"I was very pleased that our guys just kept their composure," Donovan said, reports ESPN. "They kept battling, they kept fighting, and I think everyone knew it was going to be a game that was going to come down that way."

LaMarcus Aldridge, who signed a four-year, $84 million contract with the Spurs in July, only scored 11 points on 4 out of 12 shooting. His final shot was a missed 3-pointer with seven seconds left and the Spurs trailing by four points. Aussie Patty Mills scored nine points in 22 minutes of action.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from a season opener loss, cruising past the Memphis Grizzlies 106-76. The Cavs did not need much help from Lebron James, who had a quiet night with 12 points.

James was out of the game for good with 7:20 minutes left, and the Cavs teamed up by 30 points. Kevin Love scored a game-high double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Aussie Matthew Dellavedova added 12 points and three assists in 18 minutes of action.

NBA results, final scores

Wizards 88 - Magics 87

Celtics 112 - 76ers 95

Bulls 115 - Nets 100

Pistons 92 - Jazz 87

Heat 104 - Bobcats 94

Raptors 106 - Pacers 99

Nuggets 105 - Rockets 85

Knicks 122 - Bucks 97

Mavs 111 - Suns 95

Blazers 112 - Pelicans 94

Clippers 111 - Kings 104