Rockets Beat Stephen Curry, Warriors in Game 2 as Jimmy Butler Injury Concerns Fans
Most No. 7 seeds would surely be happy with splitting the first two games on the road against the No. 2 seed in a first-round playoff series.
But the Golden State Warriors are not a normal No. 7 seed with their championship pedigree, and Wednesday's 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 2 at the Toyota Center may be more than just a normal loss depending on Jimmy Butler's status.
Butler suffered a pelvis contusion during a hard fall in the first half and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. The Warriors missed the firepower he has consistently provided since they acquired him via trade and couldn't keep pace with Houston's attack as a result.
Jalen Green finished with 38 points, six assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Alperen Şengün added a double-double of 17 points, 16 boards, seven assists and two steals. Five Rockets finished in double figures, which was more than enough to survive 20 points and nine assists from Stephen Curry.
But much of the focus was on Butler's status despite Houston's win:
Butler's absence wasn't the only concern for the Warriors, who also announced Brandin Podziemski was dealing with an illness. Podziemski was in and out of the lineup and didn't look like his normal self in a scoreless performance.
That put much of the onus on Curry, and the Rockets continued to swarm him with defenders without having to worry as much about a depleted supporting cast making them pay for the strategy.
On the offensive side, Green aggressively sought out his shot from the outside and by attacking the lane. He put the offense on his back and helped the home team extend the lead in front of a raucous crowd.
Green also mixed in a highlight-reel dunk in transition:
It wasn't just him, though, as Şengün caused problems inside while Tari Eason provided a lift off the bench with the secondary unit. Şengün was also a willing facilitator when doubles came his way, which helped keep Golden State's defense that struggled to adjust without Butler off balance.
The Warriors were still within striking distance in the fourth quarter, but Green fittingly put them away with a flurry of points on multiple threes and a transition opportunity.
The only remaining drama happened when Draymond Green got in Fred VanVleet's face heading to a timeout, but Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacted by taking the four-time All-Star out of the game to prevent things from getting out of hand.
The series now shifts to Golden State for Saturday's Game 3, and Butler's status will be under the spotlight ahead of the contest.
