In a season-opening spectacle in Los Angeles that had all the drama and star power the NBA is known for, the Golden State Warriors showcased their championship DNA, weathering a storm from Luka Dončić to secure a 119-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. While the final score tells a story of a comfortable win, the journey to get there was a tale of two vastly different strategies: the Warriors’ balanced, multi-pronged attack versus the Lakers’ reliance on the singular, breathtaking talent of their Slovenian superstar.
The energy in the arena was electric, as it always is when these two California rivals clash. However, a significant presence was missing from the court. For the first time in his storied 23-year career, LeBron James was not in the starting lineup for a season opener. Sidelined with sciatica that is expected to keep him out until mid-November, the league’s all-time leading scorer could only watch from the bench as his new-look team tried to start its season on the right foot. His absence created a void that the Lakers desperately tried to fill, and Luka Dončić seemed more than willing to carry the entire offensive load on his shoulders.
From the opening tip, Dončić was magnificent. He was a maestro with the ball, orchestrating the offense and hunting for his own shot with a relentless fire. By the end of the night, he had poured in a staggering 43 points, marking the 47th time in his career he has crossed the 40-point threshold. He was a force of nature, complementing his scoring with 12 rebounds and 9 assists, flirting with a triple-double that has become his signature. It was a heroic performance, the kind that wins games on its own. Tonight, however, it wasn’t enough.
The Warriors, seasoned and patient, absorbed the initial blows. Stephen Curry, beginning his 17th season, had a statistically quiet night by his own legendary standards, hitting only three shots from beyond the arc for a total of 23 points. In years past, a subdued performance from Curry might have spelled doom for Golden State. But this is a different, deeper Warriors team. Instead of forcing the issue, Curry allowed the game to come to him, trusting his teammates to step up.
And step up they did. The true star for the Warriors was the unflappable Jimmy Butler. In his typical, no-nonsense fashion, Butler dismantled the Lakers’ defense, not with a barrage of threes, but with powerful, decisive drives to the rim. He lived at the free-throw line, where he was a perfect 16-for-16, ultimately leading his team with 31 points. It was a masterclass in efficiency and grit, a performance that set the tone for the entire team.
The game turned decisively at the start of the second half. The Warriors came out of the locker room with renewed purpose, unleashing a devastating 19-4 run that stunned the Lakers and their home crowd. This surge wasn’t led by Curry or Butler alone. It was a team effort. Jonathan Kuminga provided a spark of athletic energy, finishing with 17 points. Newcomer Buddy Hield, known for his sharpshooting, did exactly what he was brought in to do, draining five 3-pointers and stretching the Laker defense to its breaking point. Even veteran Al Horford, making his Warriors debut in his 19th NBA season, got in on the action, calmly sinking a three on his very first shot with the team. This run pushed the Golden State lead to as many as 17 points, creating a cushion that would prove vital.
Just when it seemed the Warriors would cruise to victory, the Lakers mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter. The rally was spearheaded by Austin Reaves, who overcame early foul trouble to score 13 of his 26 points in the final frame. He attacked the basket with aggression, and his energy was contagious. The Lakers chipped away at the lead, and with each basket, the crowd grew louder, sensing a potential comeback. Reaves’ efforts brought Los Angeles within six points, at 105-99, and the game hung in the balance.
This was the moment where the Warriors’ championship experience shone brightest. With the momentum shifting and the pressure mounting, Draymond Green, who had been a non-factor on the scoresheet with just eight points and an early technical foul, made the play of the game. With 3:33 remaining, he silenced the arena by draining a clutch 3-pointer that halted the Lakers’ run and killed their momentum. It was a veteran play from a veteran leader. To seal the deal, Stephen Curry, who had deferred to his teammates for much of the night, called his own number in the final minute, hitting a decisive 3-pointer to put the game out of reach for good.
For the Lakers, it’s a frustrating start to the season, marking their ninth loss in a season opener in the last ten years. While Dončić’s performance was spectacular, the team’s over-reliance on him was evident. His 2-for-10 shooting from three-point range hints at the fatigue of carrying such a heavy burden. The team’s new acquisitions had quiet debuts; Deandre Ayton finished with 10 points and six rebounds, while Marcus Smart added nine points. The night proved that until LeBron James returns, finding a consistent second and third option behind Dončić will be the team’s most urgent challenge.
The Warriors, meanwhile, start their campaign with a statement win on the road, proving their depth and resilience. They now look ahead to a matchup with the Nuggets on Thursday, while the Lakers will regroup and host the Timberwolves on Friday, hoping to secure their first win of the young season.