HOUSTON (AP) — Warriors forward Jimmy Butler left Wednesday night's Game 2 against the Houston Rockets after a hard fall in the first quarter, suffering a Jimmy Butler Injury with a pelvis contusion. His status for Game 3 remains unclear as the series shifts back to San Francisco.
Butler fell late in the first period following contact under the basket. He stayed on the court for a moment before getting up slowly. The team quickly ruled him out for the remainder of the game.
The injury occurred when Houston's Amen Thompson made contact while Butler was in the air. Butler walked gingerly to the free-throw line after the play, making one of two shots before heading to the locker room.
The Warriors lost Game 2 by a 109-94 score, evening the first-round series 1-1. Butler's early exit impacted Golden State, especially after his strong 25-point performance in their Game 1 victory.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game he did not have an update on Butler's availability for Game 3. Butler is scheduled to have an MRI exam Thursday to evaluate the injury further.
The team will have two days before Saturday's Game 3 to determine if Butler can play. If he cannot, Kerr indicated the team will need to reconsider their rotation and starting lineup options.
The pelvis contusion adds uncertainty to the series. Houston played well in Game 2, but the Warriors will need their star player healthy to compete throughout the playoffs schedule.
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Kerr said, "Obviously feel terrible for Jimmy. Hopefully he's OK. We'll see."
