Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has been officially ruled out for Saturday`s Game 3 matchup against the Houston Rockets. Butler sustained a pelvis and deep glute muscle contusion during Game 2 of their first-round series following a hard fall. Although he was initially listed as questionable for Game 3, the team made the decision to sideline him after pregame warmups.
In Butler`s absence, Jonathan Kuminga, who saw increased playing time after Butler`s injury in Game 2, will step into the starting lineup for Game 3. The Warriors also adjusted their starting five by inserting stretch-five Quinten Post over Moses Moody to potentially improve spacing alongside the pairing of Kuminga and Draymond Green.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had indicated there was “a chance” Butler could play in Game 3, expressing cautious optimism. “I`m relatively optimistic,” Kerr stated. “I mean, Jimmy is Jimmy. We know he`s willing to play through anything. So we`ll see. This is a day-to-day thing, for sure, and we`ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
Kerr mentioned the coaching staff prepared game plans for scenarios both with and without Butler. Butler was present at practice but did not participate actively, staying “off to the side,” according to Kerr.
The injury occurred in the first quarter of Golden State`s 109-94 defeat in Houston. Butler fell after being unintentionally undercut by Amen Thompson while attempting to grab a rebound. Kerr noted the injury is “very similar” to one Stephen Curry experienced in March, which kept Curry out for two games, describing it as primarily a matter of “pain tolerance.”
The article observed that even before Butler`s injury, the Warriors struggled with Houston`s physical style of play. The increased physicality permitted by officials across the playoffs has allowed teams like Houston to rough up the Warriors, who, while tough, may lack the athleticism needed to easily create space against tight defensive pressure without another primary threat.
Butler is crucial for Golden State in alleviating defensive pressure that otherwise falls heavily on Stephen Curry, who often faces multiple defenders. Without Butler, Houston`s defense might be too physical and disruptive for the Warriors to consistently overcome.
The most favorable outcome for the Warriors now is that Butler will be recovered enough to suit up for Game 4.
Jasper Hawthorne