Golden State Warriors – Jimmy Butler scored 31 points, Stephen Curry added 23, and the Golden State Warriors overcame Luka Dončić’s 43-point explosion to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-109 on Tuesday night in both teams’ season opener.
It was a new-look Lakers team without their leader on the floor. LeBron James missed an opening night game for the first time in his 23-year career, sidelined by sciatica that is expected to keep him out until mid-November.
Butler and Curry Lead the Charge
Butler powered Golden State by attacking the rim and making all 16 of his free throws, while Curry began his 17th season content to share the spotlight. The four-time champion hit three triples and sealed the win with a three-pointer in the final minute — his first points of the fourth quarter.
Jonathan Kuminga added 17 points, and veteran shooter Buddy Hield knocked down five threes to stretch the floor for the Warriors’ balanced attack.
Doncic Shines in Lakers Debut — but Needs Help
In his first regular-season game wearing purple and gold, Luka Dončić was brilliant — posting 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. It was the 47th 40-point game of his career and the third since joining Los Angeles. Still, the Slovenian star struggled from long range, shooting just 2-for-10 from deep as the Lakers lost their season opener for the ninth time in ten years.
Austin Reaves chipped in 26 points — 13 in the fourth quarter — after battling early foul trouble. DeAndre Ayton had 10 points and six rebounds in his Lakers debut, while Marcus Smart added nine.
Quotes
“We wanted to set the tone early,” Butler said postgame. “Every possession mattered — and we stayed locked in.”
Golden State opened the second half on a dominant 19-4 run, building a lead that stretched to 17 points before the Lakers fought back behind Austin Reaves, who led a late rally to cut the deficit to 105-99. However, Draymond Green’s clutch three-pointer halted Los Angeles’ momentum, and the Warriors sealed the win with Stephen Curry’s final-minute three-pointer.