Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler could be out for Game 3 in the NBA playoffs. He injured his deep glute muscle on the contusion in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets. An MRI done after the game showed no structural damage, but with an ankle sprain of this nature, his availability is in question.
Butler has played a vital role in the Warriors’ success this year. Signed on February 8, he wasted little time in announcing his arrival on the scene. He has, to be sure, been an extraordinary presence himself in the postseason. Not just in Game 1 where he shined with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Butler went off for 38 points in that previous play-in win against the Memphis Grizzlies. With that performance, he proved why he is the ultimate clutch player.
During Game 2 on Wednesday night, Butler took a hard fall in the first quarter, landing awkwardly on his tailbone area. For Kelly, that pain was immediate. The coaching staff sent him to the locker room in the second quarter due to a pelvis contusion. Since Butler’s arrival, the Warriors are 25-9 with the league’s 5th-best defense and offensive efficiency improvements. His contributions have obviously changed their entire season.
Knowing that Butler was unlikely to play, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr made adjustments.
“I mean if Jimmy’s out, we have to rethink everything. Like rotations, who starts and the best combinations and all that stuff.” – Steve Kerr
Butler has indeed found another gear, going full on “Playoff Jimmy.” This new weapon has taken a lot of offensive heat off his fellow superstar, Stephen Curry. As Curry himself mentioned, contusions don’t necessarily require extensive recovery time — when pain can be controlled, players are frequently able to play through it.
“The last one I had was just a contusion and that is just a pain tolerance thing. Hopefully it’s just a contusion; you could play through that eventually.” – Stephen Curry
If Butler isn’t able to participate in Game 3, the Warriors will most likely look to Jonathan Kuminga. They’ll look to him to raise his game and help carry the load after losing their all-star talent. As they look forward to a potentially season-defining clash, the team’s depth will be sorely tested.
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