Butler shines and Kuminga matures: Warriors defeat Lakers with authority

Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green: A Bet on the Court

After the Warriors’ victory against the Lakers, Jimmy Butler revealed a curious bet with his teammate Draymond Green. Butler bet Green that he would surpass Stephen Curry, considered one of the best free throw shooters in NBA history, in free throw percentage this season.

“I don’t think it’s a bad bet. But somehow, it is,” Butler declared.

Jimmy Butler

Butler, who missed some preseason games due to a sprained ankle, had a shocking start to the season. He scored 12 points in the first nine minutes of the first quarter, including seven free throws. He finished the game with 31 points, leading the team, and a perfect 16 of 16 from the free throw line, the most without missing for a Warriors player since 1975. Warriors coach Steve Kerr highlighted Butler’s importance to the team, mentioning his ability to draw fouls and secure points from the free-throw line, which stabilizes the game. Butler’s arrival in February transformed the team, significantly improving their free throw efficiency and leading them to the playoffs. Kerr emphasized how Butler controls the game and provides stability, complementing the play of Draymond Green and Stephen Curry. In the 35 minutes that Butler was on the court, the Warriors outscored the Lakers by 20 points. In the 13 minutes he rested, they were outscored by 10 points.

“The game is easy. Everyone pays attention to Steph. I have the easy job,” Butler said.

Jimmy Butler

Curry, although he didn’t have spectacular statistics, scored 23 points, including three three-pointers, and maintained his perfect free throw percentage (8 of 8), which kept him on par with Butler in terms of accuracy. Butler, with an 84.3% free throw effectiveness throughout his career, reached 87% in his 30 games with the Warriors last season. Curry, upon learning of the bet, responded:

“There’s no chance. But I like a little game within the game. So, let’s play!”

Stephen Curry

Another key point of the game was Jonathan Kuminga’s performance, who started after a good preseason. Although he made some mistakes in the first half, Kuminga improved his game in the second half, according to Kerr. Kuminga scored 13 points in the third quarter, including three three-pointers. His six assists were close to his personal record, and his nine rebounds, including a crucial offensive one at the end of the game, generated excitement in the locker room.

“That rebound is what everyone in the world has been waiting to see,” Green commented. “When you ask for an opportunity, you have to deliver. He delivered.”

Draymond Green