Jimmy Butler Exits Game 2 Against Rockets with Pelvis Contusion
Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler suffered a pelvis contusion during Game 2 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, forcing him to exit the game. According to ESPN, Butler will undergo an MRI on Thursday to assess the extent of his injury.
The incident occurred late in the first quarter when Butler went up to grab a defensive rebound off Amen Thompson’s missed shot. Thompson flew into Butler, causing him to crash down on his tailbone area. Butler immediately looked to be in pain and remained in the game briefly, making one of two free throws before calling to come out with 1:51 left in the first quarter.
Butler’s exit was a significant blow to the Warriors, who were looking to take a 2-0 lead in the series. The team has been heavily reliant on Butler since he joined in February, with a 25-8 record in all competitions. In Game 1, Butler had a standout performance with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals to help the Warriors secure a win.
The Warriors ruled Butler out for the game in the second quarter, and his status for future games is currently uncertain. If Butler has to miss any more time, it would be a huge blow to Golden State’s chances of advancing in the playoffs.
In addition to Butler’s injury, Warriors starting guard Brandin Podziemski also played only eight minutes in the first half due to illness. According to ESPN, Podziemski came into the game feeling unwell after eating something that didn’t agree with him. He was questionable to return in the second half but eventually came back in the third quarter.
Butler played just eight minutes on Wednesday, scoring three points and grabbing two rebounds. His early exit forced Warriors coach Steve Kerr to make some adjustments, including playing Jonathan Kuminga, who had not played since the regular-season finale against the LA Clippers.
The Warriors will be hoping that Butler’s injury is not serious and that he can return to action soon. As ESPN reports, the team will be monitoring his progress closely and providing further updates on his status in the coming days.
The incident has raised concerns about the physical toll of the playoffs, with many players putting their bodies on the line in pursuit of victory. As noted by ESPN, Butler’s injury is a significant setback for the Warriors and could have implications for their chances of advancing in the playoffs.
