Jimmy Butler Reportedly 'in Serious Jeopardy' for Warriors vs. Rockets G3 with Injury
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler has been diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion, putting his availability for Game 3 on Saturday against the Houston Rockets in serious doubt, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
An MRI revealed that Butler does not have a fracture or any significant structural damage, per Charania.
Butler exited the Warriors' Game 2 matchup against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday in the first quarter with three points and two rebounds.
The team later announced he suffered a pelvic contusion and would not return. The Warriors went on to lose 109-94, falling even in the series.
The 35-year-old small forward averaged 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game this season after being traded midseason from the Miami Heat.
Following the game, head coach Steve Kerr addressed speculation that Amen Thompson’s play on Butler was dirty, shutting it down quickly.
"I haven't seen the replay," Kerr told reporters after the game. "I asked our guys behind the bench—they just said it looked like there was some physicality on the rebound. And I think Thompson just inadvertently found himself underneath Jimmy just based on the tug of war that was going on there.
"We didn't think there was anything wrong with the play. Just one of those plays."
