Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry power Warriors past  Lakers despite Luka Dončić’s 43 points in NBA opening night clash

The Golden State Warriors wasted no time reminding everyone why they remain a model of sustained excellence in the NBA, taking down the Los Angeles Lakers, 119–109, in a high-octane season opener at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.

In a battle that featured three of the league’s brightest stars — albeit missing one — it was Jimmy Butler who stole the spotlight. The Warriors’ newest leader dropped 31 points, sinking all 16 of his free throws to spearhead a poised, veteran performance on the road. 

Stephen Curry added 23 points, and Draymond Green flirted with a triple-double with eight points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, as Golden State opened its 2025–26 campaign with a statement win.

The Warriors’ signature third-quarter surge returned in full force. Jonathan Kuminga, fresh off a tense offseason contract standoff, erupted for 13 points in the period, drilling three triples and igniting a Golden State run that the Lakers could never fully erase. 

His efficiency — hitting all five of his attempts — underscored the depth that continues to define Steve Kerr’s squad.

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Lakers pack in the air

Steph and the Dubs blaze through the Lakers for the opening night W pic.twitter.com/jIMFKVlvPy

— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) October 22, 2025

For the Lakers, Luka Dončić was nothing short of sensational in his purple and gold debut, lighting up the scoreboard with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. His chemistry with Austin Reaves, who chipped in 26 points, kept Los Angeles within striking distance late. Still, the absence of LeBron James — sidelined with sciatica for the first season opener of his career — loomed large.

Outside of Dončić and Reaves, the Lakers struggled to find rhythm. Deandre Ayton was the only other player to hit double figures with 10 points, while the rest of the roster combined for just 40 points on an anemic 8-of-32 shooting from three.

Despite a late push that trimmed the deficit to six points in the closing minutes, Golden State’s poise and balance sealed the deal. It marked the third time in five seasons that the Warriors have spoiled a Lakers opening night — a streak that began with their ring ceremony victory in 2022.

The defending Pacific Division champions looked every bit as cohesive as ever, their precision and movement slicing through a Laker defense that still looked like a work in progress.

Meanwhile, the Lakers face immediate questions — about depth, defense, and durability — as they brace for an early-season stretch without their cornerstone.

Golden State, on the other hand, walks away with momentum and a familiar swagger — a reminder that the dynasty isn’t done yet.

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