Jimmy Butler Leaves Game with Pelvis Injury, Game 3 Status Uncertain

HOUSTON — The Golden State Warriors suffered a tough blow Wednesday night as star forward Jimmy Butler exited the game with a pelvis contusion, leaving his status for Game 3 in doubt.

The injury occurred late in the first quarter of the Warriors’ 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets. Butler was fouled hard when Amen Thompson was shoved into his legs during a rebound attempt. Both players hit the court, but Butler remained down in pain.

After slowly getting up, Butler managed to shoot his free throws — hitting 1 of 2 — before heading straight to the locker room. He did not return for the remainder of the game.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said Butler will undergo an MRI on Thursday to assess the extent of the injury.

“Jimmy always says he’s going to be fine,” Kerr said postgame. “But we have to wait to see with the MRI.”

Kerr emphasized that he doesn’t believe Thompson’s foul was malicious.

“We didn’t think there was anything wrong with the play,” he added. “It was just one of those plays.”

Butler contributed three points and two rebounds before exiting. He had a strong showing in Game 1, putting up 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in Golden State’s 95-85 win.

Kerr admitted it’s too early to talk about adjustments if Butler can’t go in Game 3, which is set for Saturday.

“Hopefully Jimmy will be able to play,” he said. “But if not, we have to go through our options and put together a plan.”

In related news, Brandin Podziemski, who missed most of the first half due to a stomach issue, returned in the third quarter. Kerr shared that Podziemski had been struggling with something he ate and received an IV at halftime to help him recover.