SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler was assisted off the court following Monday night’s 135-112 victory against the Miami Heat after landing awkwardly and clutching his right knee in discomfort.
Butler was undergoing an MRI on the knee Monday night, according to the team. Coach Steve Kerr characterized the atmosphere in the locker room as «quiet» and «worried» while the Warriors awaited updates.
«Hoping for good news regarding the scans,» Stephen Curry mentioned.
Butler’s injury occurred at 7:41 of the third quarter. He jumped to catch an entry pass in the paint and collided with Heat guard Davion Mitchell, causing his right knee to twist upon landing, leading him to fall to the floor in pain.
Butler lay on the ground for a few minutes as his teammates gathered around him in shock at Chase Center. He was eventually helped to his feet and escorted to the locker room, unable to bear weight on his right leg.
Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy accompanied Butler down the tunnel. The team officially ruled him out shortly after. Butler had sustained a meniscus tear in 2018 and an MCL sprain in 2024 on the same knee.
This injury comes at a particularly challenging moment for the rising Warriors. They have triumphed in 12 of their last 16 games, starting to ascend the standings, partly owing to Butler’s recent contributions.
Butler entered Monday averaging 21.3 points on 53% shooting for January. He recorded 17 points in 21 minutes against his former team prior to the injury.
