The Lakers started efficiently and they dominated the match player stats against the Golden State Warriors, shooting 55 percent from the field across the game and controlling the paint early.
The season opened in Los Angeles at 6:00 AM on October 22, 2025, with 18,997 fans packed into Crypto.com Arena to watch the Golden State Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Golden State left with a 119–109 victory after a decisive third quarter in the timeline that turned the game on its head.
The Warriors moved to 1–0 on the season and 1–0 on the road, while the Lakers dropped to 0–1 at home.
Despite a 43-point masterclass from Luka Doncic, it was Jimmy Butler III’s relentless trips to the free-throw line and balanced contributions across the Warriors lineup that defined the night.
Key takeaways
- Warriors dominated the third quarter 35–25
- Butler’s 16 made free throws changed the rhythm
- Lakers shot better from the field but struggled from three
First Half: Lakers efficiency vs Warriors patience
The Lakers opened efficiently, shooting 55 percent from the field across the game and controlling the paint early.
They edged the second quarter 32–27 to take a narrow halftime advantage.
Doncic was already in rhythm, scoring at all three levels while also facilitating the offense.
Golden State, meanwhile, relied on ball movement and perimeter shooting to stay within reach.
Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski spaced the floor, while Draymond Green orchestrated possessions.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warriors | 28 | 27 | 35 | 29 | 119 |
| Lakers | 22 | 32 | 25 | 30 | 109 |
First half notes
- Lakers led through interior scoring
- Warriors stayed close via three-point shooting
- Doncic controlled tempo early
Third Quarter Swing: Warriors seize control
The game flipped in the third quarter.
Golden State outscored Los Angeles 35–25 with defensive pressure and transition play.
Butler attacked mismatches and repeatedly drew contact, finishing 16-for-16 from the line.
Jonathan Kuminga dominated the glass during this stretch, extending possessions.
Curry added timely perimeter shots, including a deep three that halted a Lakers push.
| Category | Warriors | Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 49% (38-78) | 55% (42-77) |
| Three Point % | 43% (17-40) | 25% (8-32) |
| Free Throw % | 90% (26-29) | 61% (17-28) |
| Assists | 29 | 23 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 20 |
Third quarter impact
- Warriors’ defense forced rushed Lakers shots
- Three-point gap widened significantly
- Free throws became a major separator
Star Performances: Butler vs Doncic
Butler’s efficiency and control contrasted with Doncic’s high-volume brilliance.
Doncic scored 43 points on 17-for-27 shooting while adding 12 rebounds and nine assists in 41 minutes.
Butler countered with 31 points on just 14 shots, adding five rebounds and four assists with a +20 rating.
Draymond Green’s nine assists and Kuminga’s nine rebounds provided vital support.
| Player | PTS | FG | FT | REB | AST | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Butler III | 31 | 7-14 | 16-16 | 5 | 4 | +20 |
| Stephen Curry | 23 | 6-14 | 8-8 | 1 | 4 | +1 |
| Luka Doncic | 43 | 17-27 | 7-10 | 12 | 9 | -8 |
| Austin Reaves | 26 | 9-16 | 7-10 | 5 | 9 | -14 |
Star comparison
- Doncic led all scorers and rebounders
- Butler was more efficient and impactful on momentum
- Curry’s spacing proved crucial late
Bench and Supporting Cast Influence
Golden State’s bench added timely contributions, particularly Buddy Hield’s 17 points on five three-pointers.
Gary Payton II and Gui Santos provided defensive energy and rebounding in short bursts.
The Lakers bench struggled for offensive consistency outside of Marcus Smart’s nine points.
Rebounding remained nearly even, but Golden State’s nine offensive boards proved costly for Los Angeles.
| Bench Points | Warriors | Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bench Points | 33 | 18 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 9 | 7 |
| Fast Break Points | 13 | 6 |
Bench impact
- Hield’s shooting stretched the defense
- Warriors converted second-chance points
- Lakers lacked bench scoring punch
Closing Minutes and Game Flow
Golden State built a largest lead of 17 points, while the Lakers never led by more than two.
Even as the Lakers scored 30 in the fourth, the Warriors matched them calmly.
Free throws and controlled possessions allowed Golden State to manage the clock.
The officiating crew of Phenizee Ransom, Tyler Ford, and J.B. DeRosa oversaw a physical but controlled contest.
Closing observations
- Warriors managed tempo late
- Lakers’ comeback attempts stalled at the perimeter
- Experience and execution separated the teams
Golden State’s balance ultimately outweighed Doncic’s brilliance in a season opener that showcased contrasting styles and early statements from both teams.