The 2014-15 NBA season started on Tuesday in dramatic style as defending champions San Antonio Spurs beat the Dallas Mavericks 101-100 in the Western Conference. The Spurs, overriding favourites to defend their crown having won it in such a convincing manner last term, needed a late three-pointer from Tony Parker - who scored 23 points in total - to clinch victory. Before tip-off, San Antonio staff and players were presented with their championship rings. The inscription inside the ring was 'Good to Great', which was coach Gregg Popovich's mantra last season. Tim Duncan (right) hit 14 points as the San Antonio Spurs opened the new season with a win
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2014-15 NBA season started  with three games in the Western Conference
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Defending champions San Antonio Spurs beat Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers lost to Houston Rockets and New Orleans Saints beat Orlando Magic
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Spurs' mix of experience and youth makes them favourites to defend their titles in the Western Conference and their NBA Finals crown
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Chicago Bulls are expected to challenge out in the Eastern Conference with the return of a fit Derrick Rose after two serious knee injuries
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Four-time MVP LeBron James' move from Miami Heat to Cleveland Cavaliers makes them a team to watch this season out in the East
@placeholder have contested the last four NBA Finals series and the experience within their squad should see them come at least close to matching that feat again.