Behind 31 points from Jimmy Butler, 23 points from Stephen Curry and a hyperactive Draymond Green (8 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds), the Warriors controlled the match despite Luka Doncic's 43 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists (119-109)!
For this first match of the season for both teams, the Lakers and Warriors stars are present. 12 points from Jimmy Butler, including 7/7 from the free-throw line, and 10 points from Luka Doncic set the tone. Turnovers and the Lakers' clumsiness however allow Golden State to take control of operations (28-22).
Whilst Austin Reaves (26 points, 9 assists) takes over from Luka Doncic, the Warriors' defensive activity continues to frustrate Los Angeles. Stephen Curry, until now discreet, takes advantage of a flagrant foul by Marcus Smart to enter his match. With a three-pointer, he puts Golden State at +10 (45-35).
JJ Redick's men however bounce back. Luka Doncic leads a 16-5 run, finished by three three-pointers, including two for Rui Hachimura (9 points), to retake the advantage. It takes Jimmy Butler's cunning to allow the Warriors to turn ahead at half-time (55-54).
Jonathan Kuminga as X factor
Like in their golden era, the Warriors start the third quarter in style. Behind a defence still as uncompromising and 11 points from Jonathan Kuminga (17 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists), Golden State run off a 23-7 burst against their opponents to take a 17-point lead (78-61)! Despite a Luka Doncic who has almost half of his team's points, the Lakers are struggling. A three-pointer from Jake LaRavia, followed by a basket after an offensive rebound, however allow them to remain in ambush (90-79).
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III shoots against Los Angeles Lakers
Despite his five fouls, Austin Reaves attempts to wake his teammates but Buddy Hield (17 points, 5/10 from three-point range) catches fire. He multiplies three-pointers and Golden State retake a 16-point lead (100-84). The Lakers however do not admit defeat. Golden State chain three empty possessions and the Doncic-Reaves duo take advantage to launch a 9-0 run that revives the suspense (105-99).
Steve Kerr's band however finish the job. A three-pointer from Draymond Green, free throws from Jimmy Butler, and a three-pointer from ten metres by Stephen Curry confirm Golden State's victory on the Lakers' court.
What to remember
– Golden State's collective at full throttle. 29 assists, 48% shooting success, and 42% from three-point range. The Warriors' movement and altruism caught the Lakers' defence off guard. With in addition an aggressive Jimmy Butler at 16/16 from the free-throw line, an accurate Buddy Hield off the bench and an interesting Will Richard for his first NBA match, Steve Kerr can be satisfied with this first outing.
– Luka Doncic as brilliant as he is isolated. 43 points at 65% shooting success, 12 rebounds, 8 assists. In LeBron James' absence, the Slovenian was unstoppable tonight... but it was not enough. Unlike Luka Doncic, the other Lakers went missing. DeAndre Ayton was transparent, the bench unconvincing, Rui Hachimura too discreet. Only Austin Reaves found his range but too late, at the end of the match, to help the Lakers win. JJ Redick and his staff have their work cut out.
– Jonathan Kuminga shows himself. If he was not able to slow Luka Doncic, Jonathan Kuminga turned in a clean offensive performance. He finished the match with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, all whilst being over 50% shooting success, and 4/6 from three-point range. After a turbulent summer, he responded in the best way. Inserted into the starting five by Steve Kerr, the forward was right in the game instead of being against the current as often during previous seasons.
This article was originally published on Basket USA
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