Game 2 of the first-round playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets took a dramatic turn with the untimely exit of Jimmy Butler.
The Warriors’ star suffered a pelvic contusion late in the first quarter, dealing a blow not only to Butler but to the team’s chances of securing a second consecutive win in the series. The injury occurred after Butler landed hard on his tailbone following a collision with Amen Thompson during a rebound attempt. Despite briefly remaining on the court to take free throws, Butler headed to the locker room and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
Jimmy Butler hit the ground hard after being undercut by Amen Thompson
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— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 24, 2025
Butler’s absence visibly affected the Warriors’ offensive rhythm. In his brief appearance, Butler contributed three points over eight minutes of play, but his departure left a significant void. Stephen Curry did his best to step up, scoring 20 points while adding five rebounds and nine assists to his tally. However, Curry’s six turnovers and the team’s struggle to maintain composure under pressure revealed the challenge of playing without one of their defensive anchors.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets rose to the occasion. Fueled by Jalen Green’s electrifying 38-point performance, which featured an impressive eight three-pointers, the Rockets built and maintained their lead, ultimately winning 109-94. Green’s brilliance was complemented by the Rockets’ aggressive defensive strategy, which kept the Warriors off balance throughout the contest.
The game itself was intense, marked by physical play and heated moments between the teams. With both sides receiving technical fouls, the atmosphere was nothing short of charged, further amplified by the passionate crowd. The Warriors now face an uphill battle as the series moves back to San Francisco, with Butler’s recovery timeline adding uncertainty to their playoff prospects. While initial x-rays came back negative, Butler is scheduled to have an MRI exam later today.
