Jimmy Butler Suffers Pelvic Injury in Game 2 Loss to Rockets, Set for MRI

 

Jimmy Butler Suffers Pelvic Injury in Game 2 Loss to Rockets, Set for MRI

Early Exit Shakes Warriors' Momentum

After suffering a back injury after a hard fall late in the first quarter of Game 2 against the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler was forced to exit the game. Due to the injury, the Warriors experienced an important defeat and lost 109-94 on Wednesday, allowing the Rockets to level the series at one.

To find out the extent of the injury, Butler will be scheduled to have an MRI in San Francisco on Thursday.

 

Coach Kerr: "We Have to Rethink Everything"

After the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his worries, saying, "Certainly feel terrible for Jimmy." I hope he's all OK. We shall see. Early in the second quarter, Butler went to the locker room in apparent discomfort and was declared out for the rest of the game.

Kerr said that if Butler fails to play, Jonathan Kuminga might be an alternate starter in Saturday night's Game 3 at Chase Center. In Game 2, Kuminga, who hasn't played in a while, came through with 11 points in 26 minutes.

"We have to rethink everything if Jimmy is out, especially lineups, rotations, and the best combinations," Kerr stated.

 

Draymond Green: "Jimmy Says He'll Be Good"

After the game, teammate Draymond Green said he spoke with Butler and is still hopeful. Green revealed, "Jimmy will only tell you that he feels good." "I believe him because he has never given me any reason to doubt it."

Knowing how important Butler has been to their playoff run, the team is still cautious as they await the results of the MRI.

 

Butler’s Impact Since Joining the Warriors

Butler has been instrumental in improving Golden State's season since making his debut on February 8. With Butler on the court, the Warriors finished 25-8 in their regular-season, play-in, and postseason games. He has improved the Warriors' defense to among the best in the NBA, stabilized the team during non-Curry minutes, and lessened the scoring pressure on Stephen Curry.

Butler had adopted the persona of "Playoff Jimmy" and performed clutch. He finished with 30 points and 9 assists in the Clippers' overtime loss in the regular-season finale. He then got 38 points in the play-in victory over Memphis and finished the first game against Houston with 25 points, 7 rebounds, six assists, and 5 steals.

Curry Knows the Pain All Too Well

 

Stephen Curry, a star player for the Warriors who has experienced comparable issues, thought back on Butler's decline. Curry stated, "I've experienced that a few times — it's brutal." "It simply depends on how bad it is, but it undoubtedly altered the nature of our offense."

More Trouble for Warriors: Podziemski Battling Illness

Butler wasn't the only one who had trouble in Game 2. Due to illness, starting guard Brandin Podziemski played only 14 minutes. "Podziemski probably ate something bad and got IV treatment at halftime," Kerr revealed. After going 0-for-5 from the field, he continued to be allowed to play six more minutes.

Looking Ahead: All Eyes on Butler's Status

The Golden State Warriors still have the home-court edge going into the game despite the defeat in Game 2. However, Jimmy Butler's health will be an important factor in their Game 3 strategy.

Kerr expressed hope that Jimmy would be able to play. "But if not, we must consider our options and create a strategy."