Warriors’ Jimmy Butler Diagnosed with Glute Contusion, Game 3 Status in Jeopardy

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler avoided a serious injury and was diagnosed with a deep glute muscle contusion, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. An MRI revealed no structural damage, which Charania described as the best-case scenario for Butler.

Despite the positive diagnosis, Butler’s status for Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Houston Rockets on Saturday remains in serious jeopardy.

The Warriors won Game 1 on the road behind strong performances from Butler and Stephen Curry. However, they dropped Game 2 after Butler exited early due to the injury.

The 6-foot-7 swingman landed hard on his tailbone after Houston forward Amen Thompson was knocked off balance while battling for a defensive rebound and undercut Butler beneath the basket, according to a video shared by Dr. David J. Chao on Twitter.

Butler finished the game with three points on 1-of-2 shooting from the floor and 1-of-2 shooting from the free throw line, along with two rebounds in just eight minutes of action.

Since Golden State acquired the six-time All-Star from Miami in a multi-team blockbuster trade in February, the team has rallied to emerge as a legitimate title contender. Butler has bolstered the Warriors’ defense and provided another key offensive creator alongside Curry and Draymond Green. An extended absence could significantly hinder Golden State’s contention hopes.

Reserve forward Jonathan Kuminga, who had been out of the rotation since the Warriors’ final regular season game, made his first playoff appearance of the postseason. Guard Pat Spencer also saw action in the rotation amid Podziemski’s absence.