Lakers
Luka Doncic did a little bit of everything Tuesday night, except maybe leave the arena early.
The Lakers star dropped 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in a 119–109 loss to the Warriors, then spent nearly 90 minutes postgame getting treatment on what he called a minor tweak inside his right leg.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic told reporters, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way. But it’s probably nothing.”
Doncic, who slimmed down over the offseason, looked sharp and mobile. He went 13-for-14 in the paint and 15-for-17 on twos, according to ESPN Research, and said his defense continues to improve.
“I think I’m getting better on that end,” he said. “I’m just trying to get more involved and communicate more.”
Still, the Lakers turned it over 20 times and shot just 8-for-32 from deep.
“We continue to be a terrible third-quarter team,” coach JJ Redick said. “It’s been that way since last year. Gotta rethink some things.”
Los Angeles hosts the Timberwolves on Friday, giving Doncic a couple days to rest and recover.
Warriors
Jimmy Butler’s first game as a Warrior was everything Golden State hoped for — and then some.
Butler scored 31 points and drew rave reviews from Draymond Green, who didn’t hesitate to set the bar high.
“He’ll be an All-Star again this year,” Green told reporters after the win, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “He’s been amazing since the day he showed up.”
Green said Butler’s leadership stood out as much as his scoring.
“He doesn’t let you sulk,” Green said. “I had one turnover and he came right over like, ‘Yo, man, get shots on goal, don’t turn the ball over.’ He’s that guy. Uplifting and demanding all at once.”
Butler joined Golden State last February in the five-team deal that sent Andrew Wiggins to Miami, then signed a two-year, $121 million extension through 2027.
After a rocky ending in Miami, he looks rejuvenated. And by the sound of it, fully embraced.
Heat
Speaking of Miami, Butler’s breakup with the Heat is now officially settled. Financially, at least.
Per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Butler reached a settlement with the team that allows him to recoup about half of the $6 million in salary he lost during multiple suspensions last season.
The players’ union had filed a grievance on his behalf, and the resolution reportedly satisfied both sides.
The Heat were deemed within their rights to suspend Butler, but his challenge to the severity of the punishment was considered reasonable.
Butler was suspended nine games for conduct detrimental to the team and another five for “withholding services” before being dealt to the Warriors.
He’s already making the most of his fresh start, and his 31-point debut on opening night probably felt like the perfect punctuation.
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