Jimmy Butler spearheads Golden State Warriors’ triumph over LA Lakers, while reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder secure victory against the Rockets on their ring ceremony night.
Published On 22 Oct 2025
In a thrilling season opener, Jimmy Butler led the Golden State Warriors to a 119-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, contributing 31 points, while Stephen Curry added 23 points to the visitors’ tally on Tuesday night.
Jonathan Kuminga was instrumental with 17 points and nine rebounds, complemented by Buddy Hield’s 17 points, as the Warriors surged ahead with an 18-4 run early in the third quarter to seize control of the game.
The Warriors showcased impressive shooting from beyond the arc, converting 42.5% of their three-point attempts (17 of 40). Kuminga nailed four out of six three-pointers, and Hield made five of ten, while Curry connected on three of nine from downtown.
On the Lakers’ side, Luka Doncic delivered a standout performance, scoring 43 points along with 12 rebounds and nine assists in his debut season opener for Los Angeles following his mid-season trade from Dallas. Austin Reaves also made a significant impact, contributing 26 points and nine assists.
Deandre Ayton added 10 points in his first game with the Lakers, but the team struggled from long range, shooting just 25% (8 of 32) on three-pointers and missing 11 of 28 free throws. In contrast, the Warriors were nearly flawless at the charity stripe, hitting 26 of 29 free throws, with Butler perfect on 16 attempts.
Notably absent was Lakers superstar LeBron James, who missed his first-ever season opener in a 23-year NBA career due to sciatica.
Golden State extended a narrow halftime lead into a commanding 73-58 advantage within the first five minutes of the third quarter, fueled by Kuminga’s 13 points in the period. The Warriors maintained a 90-79 lead heading into the final quarter.
The Lakers responded with a 9-0 run initiated by Rui Hachimura’s three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 105-99 with under four minutes left. However, Draymond Green’s three-pointer pushed the Warriors’ lead to 108-99, and Butler’s reverse layup increased the margin to 110-100 with just over two minutes remaining. Curry’s late three-pointer with 51 seconds left sealed the victory.
Green finished the game with eight points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, contributing significantly to the Warriors’ balanced effort.
During the first half, the Lakers trailed for most of the period before a 16-5 run gave them a brief 51-50 lead. The Warriors closed the half ahead 55-54. Doncic led all scorers with 22 points in the opening half, while Butler paced Golden State with 17 points. The Warriors were efficient from the free throw line, converting 16 of 18 attempts, compared to the Lakers’ 9 of 16.
Thunder Begin Title Defense with Narrow Victory Over Rockets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a clutch performance, scoring 35 points and sinking two crucial free throws with just 2.3 seconds left in double overtime, guiding the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 125-124 home win against the Houston Rockets in their season opener.
The evening began with the Thunder celebrating their championship by hoisting their title banner and receiving their championship rings, marking last season’s success.
The game itself was a rollercoaster, with both teams exchanging leads in a fiercely competitive matchup. Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren made pivotal plays for Oklahoma City, while Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant responded with key contributions for Houston.
Ultimately, Gilgeous-Alexander’s decisive play clinched the win. After Sengun’s finger roll put the Rockets ahead by one with 11 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander drove to the basket, drew a foul on Durant-who fouled out on the play-and calmly converted both free throws to put the Thunder ahead.
Jabari Smith Jr.’s last-second turnaround jumper missed, securing the Thunder’s victory.
Holmgren, despite fouling out in the first overtime, finished with 28 points and seven rebounds. Sengun had a career night, hitting a personal best five three-pointers and tallying 39 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Durant contributed 23 points and nine rebounds in his Rockets debut.
