Warriors’ Jimmy Butler Suffers Pelvis Contusion, Set for MRI: What This Means for Golden State’s Playoff Push
The Golden State Warriors' playoff hopes have taken a sudden blow as star player Jimmy Butler suffered a pelvis contusion during Game 2 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, leaving fans, teammates, and coaches anxiously awaiting further updates. The injury, which occurred late in the first quarter, forced Butler out of the game after just eight minutes of play, leading to a tough 109-94 loss for the Warriors that evened the series at 1-1.
The Injury: A Hard Fall with Big Consequences
With just 2:28 left in the first quarter, Butler, who had been performing exceptionally well throughout the postseason, went up to grab a defensive rebound. Houston Rockets' guard Amen Thompson, who was jostling for position with Draymond Green, inadvertently collided with Butler, causing the Warriors forward to fall hard onto his tailbone area. Butler immediately seemed to be in significant pain, and after briefly staying in the game to make one of two free throws, he was visibly struggling and requested to come out.
Following the fall, the Warriors ruled Butler out for the remainder of the game in the second quarter. He limped to the locker room, leaving fans and the team uncertain about the severity of his injury. Butler, known for his toughness, reportedly told Green that he would be fine, but the Warriors’ coaching staff is taking every precaution, scheduling an MRI for Thursday in San Francisco to assess the full extent of the injury.
A Devastating Loss for Golden State
Losing Butler—who has been a key factor in the Warriors' success since his mid-season acquisition—was a significant setback. Since joining the team on February 8, 2025, Butler has revitalized Golden State, leading them to a remarkable 25-8 record in all games played (regular season, play-in, and postseason). His scoring, defense, and leadership have been instrumental in helping the Warriors' offense and defense reach new heights, taking pressure off of Stephen Curry while bolstering the team’s defensive efforts.
Before the injury, Butler had been playing at a high level, with standout performances including a 38-point outing in the play-in victory over Memphis and a 25-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist performance in Game 1 of this series. His presence on the court has been crucial, and if the MRI reveals something serious, it could be a game-changer for the Warriors' playoff aspirations.
Steve Kerr’s Response: Rethinking Rotations and Strategy
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed his concern for Butler while remaining hopeful. "Obviously feel terrible for Jimmy," Kerr said. "Hopefully he's OK. We'll see." He also acknowledged that if Butler is unable to play in future games, the team will have to adjust their game plan. Jonathan Kuminga, who had fallen out of the rotation in the regular season but played 26 minutes in Game 2, could potentially be a candidate to start in Butler’s place, though Kerr noted that many adjustments might need to be made.
"We have to rethink everything—rotations, who starts, and the best combinations," Kerr added.
Butler’s injury leaves the Warriors in a precarious situation, especially with Game 3 of the series scheduled for Saturday at Chase Center. Golden State will have to rely on other key players like Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson to step up in Butler's absence if necessary.
The Bigger Picture: Playoff Implications for the Warriors
The Warriors have been in top form since Butler’s arrival, with the team’s defense reaching No. 1 in the NBA. A key aspect of Butler’s impact has been his ability to not only elevate his own game but to stabilize the critical non-Curry minutes, ensuring that Golden State doesn't lose momentum when their superstar guard is off the floor. Losing Butler, even for a short period, would force the Warriors to dig deep into their roster and reassess their offensive and defensive schemes.
However, the team’s challenges didn’t end with Butler's injury. Starting guard Brandin Podziemski also struggled with an illness during Game 2, limiting him to just 14 minutes of play. Podziemski received an IV at halftime after feeling ill from something he ate, but he still struggled to make an impact, going 0-for-5 in the game.
Looking Ahead: Will the Warriors Bounce Back?
As the series shifts back to San Francisco, Golden State faces an uncertain future. The MRI results will likely be a pivotal moment in determining the team’s strategy going forward. While there is still hope that Butler may be able to suit up for Game 3, the Warriors’ coaching staff and players are already preparing for the possibility that he might not be available.
For now, all eyes will be on the MRI results, which will provide clarity on Butler’s condition. Golden State has the advantage of home court, but without Butler at full strength, the Warriors may have to dig deeper into their bench to stay competitive against a Houston team that has proven to be a formidable opponent.
Conclusion
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, and Jimmy Butler’s pelvis contusion could have a profound impact on the Warriors' playoff journey. If Butler is forced to miss time, Golden State will need to rely on the collective effort of their veteran players and younger talent to step up. The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of the Warriors in this series, and fans are hoping that the MRI results bring positive news for one of the team’s most important contributors.