HOUSTON (AP) — The Golden State Warriors faced a significant setback in their playoff run as star forward Jimmy Butler was ruled out of Game 2 against the Houston Rockets due to a pelvis contusion. The injury occurred late in the first quarter on Wednesday night, April 23, 2025, during a collision with Rockets forward Amen Thompson.
Butler was attempting to secure a rebound when Thompson, who stumbled during the play, inadvertently undercut him. The impact sent Butler crashing hard onto the court, landing on his tailbone. He remained on the floor for a brief period, visibly in pain, before managing to get up and shoot a pair of free throws, making only one. Shortly after, he was taken out of the game and headed to the locker room for evaluation.
Before his exit, Butler had recorded three points and two rebounds in just eight minutes of play. His absence is a significant blow to the Warriors, especially considering his stellar performance in Game 1, where he contributed 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals in a 95-85 victory over the Rockets.
“It’s tough to see Jimmy go down like that,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “He’s been a key player for us, and we’ll need to adjust quickly.” The Warriors were already leading the first-round playoff series 1-0 and were hoping to build on that momentum.
In addition to Butler's injury, the Warriors also announced that guard Brandin Podziemski was questionable to return due to a stomach ailment. Podziemski had been struggling with an illness from something he ate, leaving the Warriors with a thinner bench as they moved deeper into the game.
With Butler sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga stepped back into the rotation after being benched for both the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Clippers and the opening playoff match. Kuminga's return to the court was crucial as the Warriors looked to maintain their lead in the series.
As the game progressed, the Warriors had 12 different players logging minutes by the time Butler was ruled out, showcasing the depth of their roster as they adjusted to the unexpected changes. “We’ve got to dig deep and find a way to win,” Kerr added during a timeout.
Butler's trade to the Warriors from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline had been a game-changer for the team, contributing to their impressive 23-7 record with him in the lineup. His ability to perform under pressure and lead the team was evident, making his injury all the more concerning for the Warriors' playoff aspirations.
As the first quarter came to a close, the Warriors found themselves trailing 22-15, a situation that could have been influenced by Butler's absence. Fans held their breath as they awaited updates on his condition, hoping for the best while bracing for potential bad news.
Butler has proven to be a pivotal player for the Warriors, and his absence raises questions about the team's ability to advance in the playoffs without him. “We’ll see how it goes, but we’re all hoping for a quick recovery,” said teammate Stephen Curry. “We need him back out there.”
The Warriors will need to rally together and find a way to secure a win against the Rockets in Butler's absence, as they look to capitalize on their strong start in the playoff series. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate the challenges ahead.
As the second quarter unfolds, the Warriors continue to fight, but the pressure mounts without their star forward. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and whether Butler's injury will hinder their chances of progressing further in the playoffs.
In the meantime, the Warriors are hoping for a swift recovery for Butler, who has quickly become a fan favorite and a critical component of the team's championship aspirations. The playoff journey is just beginning, and the Warriors are determined to face every challenge head-on, even without one of their key players.
Stay tuned as updates on Butler's condition and the ongoing game unfold. The Warriors must now show their resilience and depth in the face of adversity, proving that they can overcome obstacles and continue their pursuit of glory in the NBA playoffs.
