Jimmy Butler enjoyed an impressive game as the Golden State Warriors secured an opening-night win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran forward ended the night with 31 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, shooting 50% from the field.
Butler, who led all scorers on the Warriors, played a pivotal role for Steve Kerr’s team. He helped control the pace and provided aggression on the wing, resulting in 16 free-throw attempts on the night.
During his postgame news conference, head coach Steve Kerr praised last season’s midseason addition for his ability to thrive next to Stephen Curry.
“He provides that stability, the ability to get fouled and go to the line and settle the game down,” Kerr said of Butler. “He never turns the ball over, so he just controls the game out there for us. And we need that. We’ve always been at our best when we can provide the support for Draymond and Steph’s chaos with some stability.”
Kerr continued.
“That’s what Andre did. Sean Livingston, because the chaos is really powerful, but it can also get away from us. And Jimmy just settles us down. And I thought he did a great job of that tonight.”
Butler’s presence gives the rotation an aggression and bite that have been missing in recent years.
Steve Kerr Praises Jonathan Kuminga
Jonathan Kuminga found himself in Golden State’s starting lineup against the Lakers. The decision comes just weeks after the franchise ended its contractual standoff with the former lottery pick. Kuminga rose to the occasion, dropping 17 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists.
During his postgame news conference, Kerr praised the maturity the explosive forward displayed.
“I think he’s really matured,” Kerr said. “He’s had a great camp. We’ve had some really good conversations. I think he has a better understanding of what we need. You saw in the first half he took a couple tough mid-range fadeaways that we don’t want. He immediately held up his hand…It hasn’t been easy to find minutes on our team. And I’m really proud of him for staying with it and really maturing. And it’s a great start for him and for us.”
Kuminga will undoubtedly face compeition for his spot in the starting lineup. However, performances like his one against the Lakers will ensure that he has a shot at making the spot his own.
Draymond Green Shares Thoughts on Kuminga
During his own postgame news conference, veteran forward Draymond Green shared his take on Kuminga’s performance. Green praised the explosive young forward for delivering at a high level after a summer of fighting for additional opportunities within the rotation.
“When you ask for opportunity, you must deliver,” Green said. “I think he’s been very vocal about his opportunity, and he delivered. And so, you know, when you see a guy that’s willing to put their neck on the line and be vocal, and then they deliver. You also must reward them because if they don’t, you tear them down. That’s just naturally what happens.”
Kuminga is still young. He will continue to develop and likely become a key piece in a rotation, either with the Warriors or elsewhere. However, for now, he’s likely done enough to earn his spot in the starting lineup for when Golden State faces the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, Oct. 23.
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