Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr pointed to Jimmy Butler’s ability to control a game as a key reason for their win against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Butler scored a team-high 31 points, shooting 16/16 from the free throw line, as the Warriors won 119-109 in their NBA opener.

He also contributed with five rebounds and four assists, while Stephen Curry and Jonathan Kuminga scored 23 and 17 respectively.

Butler was traded to the Warriors from the Miami Heat in February and helped Golden State reach the Western Conference semi-finals.

Kerr has been impressed with the impact Butler has already had on the team, especially when it comes to balancing Curry’s “chaos” with his control.

“It was huge. It was the reason we became a good team last year,” said Kerr.

“As soon as we got him, he provided that stability, the ability to get fouled and go to the line and settle the game down.

“He never turns the ball over. He just controls the game out there for us and we need that.

“We have always been at out best when we can provide the support for Draymond [Green] and Steph’s chaos with some stability.

“It is what Andre [Iguodala] did, and Shaun Livingstone. Because the chaos is really powerful but it can also get away from us.

“Jimmy just settles us down and I thought he did a great job of that [in this game].”

Big mood  pic.twitter.com/0gXOKzeHxs

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 22, 2025

Despite ending up on the losing end, it was another impressive performance from Luka Doncic.

He scored 43 points, a career-high for a season opener, and registered 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block.

Doncic also became just the third Laker to score 40+ points in a season opener after Kobe Bryant (2007) and Elgin Baylor (1959).

The Slovenian played a game-high 41 minutes, which led to some extended time in the training room to receive treatment, as he looks to have a bigger impact on both ends of the floor.

“It's probably nothing. Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way. Felt it a little bit, but it's probably nothing,” said Doncic.

“I think I'm getting better on the defensive end, I'm just trying to get more involved, more communication [with his teammates]. But overall, 41 minutes, so I like that.”