Jimmy Butler Injury Forces Early Exit During Warriors vs Rockets Game
Jimmy Butler injury forced the Golden State Warriors to make quick adjustments after he left the court in the first quarter during their Game 2 loss against the Houston Rockets. Butler took a hard fall while contesting a rebound and was later diagnosed with a pelvis contusion.
The incident happened late in the first quarter when Butler went up for a defensive rebound after Amen Thompson missed a shot. Thompson, who had been tangled up with Draymond Green, collided mid-air with Butler. The fall sent Butler crashing down hard on his lower back, and he was visibly in pain.
Though he briefly stayed in the game and hit one free throw, Butler asked to be subbed out with under two minutes left in the first quarter. He walked to the locker room slowly, clearly uncomfortable. The Warriors ruled him out shortly after the second quarter began.
Warriors Face Challenges Without Butler
Butler had been a major part of the Warriors’ strong run since joining in February, with the team going 25–8 across all competitions with him on the floor. In Game 1, he had 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals to lead the Warriors to a win.
Jimmy Butler injury in Game 2 was felt immediately. Golden State also dealt with another setback when starting guard Brandin Podziemski left the first half due to illness. According to coach Steve Kerr, it was caused by something Podziemski ate. He returned briefly in the third quarter but ended the game scoreless in 14 minutes.
Rotation Shifts Highlight Depth Concerns
With both Butler and Podziemski limited, the Warriors had to rely on players like Jonathan Kuminga and Pat Spencer, who had not seen recent playoff action. Kuminga played for the first time since the regular season finale, and Spencer was used in the second quarter.
“Obviously losing Jimmy changes a lot for us,” Kerr said. “He’s been huge for us all season. We’ll know more after the MRI.”
The series now moves to San Francisco tied 1–1. Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday. Butler’s status remains uncertain pending further evaluation.
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