“If it were the regular season, he’d probably miss another week or two. But it’s the playoffs, and he’s Jimmy Butler.” Steve Kerr highlighted the severity of Jimmy Butler’s injury after Monday’s crucial win against the Rockets. Despite suffering a pelvis and deep glute muscle contusion, the superstar made an early return after missing just one game, understanding what’s at stake.
Even as Jimmy took the floor, it was evident that the injury was still bothering him. Early in the first quarter, TNT announcer Reggie Miller pointed it out on Live TV, “Oh, I don’t like how Jimmy is running here. He’s still kind of grimacing on his way back down the floor there.” But like a true leader, Butler continued fighting through the pain. He played for forty minutes, dropping 27 points and six assists to lead the Warriors to victory.
However, there were several moments where he could be seen grimacing in pain. Understandably, the scary visual left Dub Nation concerned about Jimmy’s availability for tonight’s Game 5. Turns out, there might be nothing to worry about as Butler is likely to suit up for the potential series clincher. He is listed as probable on the latest injury report. Apart from Jimmy, the Warriors’ IR is clean.
Of course, Jimmy’s availability would be a massive boost for the Warriors because he has been elite in this series. In the two games he played from start to finish, the forward averaged 26 points and six assists. Also, he has been incredible at generating fouls and keeping the Rockets’ defenders in check. In Monday’s game, Jimmy attempted twelve free throws and shot 100%.
Goes to show how pivotal he is in playing winning basketball. And the Bay Area team will surely need his clutch gene tonight. Maybe Jimmy will even find the added motivation he did in Game 4.
Jimmy Butler reveals motivation to fight through the pain in Game 4 as he gives concerning injury details
Well, Butler did not have a great start to Monday’s game. He had a quiet first half, finishing with just 4 points. But something switched after the break. Playoff Jimmy was unleashed, and he single-handedly dominated the Rockets’ defense. After the win, Jimmy revealed his motivation: “Ah man, somebody said something to me. That’s all it takes, somebody to say something to me gets me going every single time… I thought it was winning time.”
Turns out, the trash-talk with Dillon Brooks lit a fire in Butler, leading to his second-half scoring outburst.
Mar 17, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) as a time out is called against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
“Get me on the record with this: I don’t like Dillon Brooks. We’re never having fun. I’m a fierce competitor. He’s a fierce competitor. There ain’t nothing fun about that,” he confessed post-game. With the way this series has gone so far, it is unlikely that either team will tone down the physicality going forward. So, you can expect some heated encounters tonight as well.
However, Jimmy needs to be careful about not re-aggravating his injury. Although he was able to play through the pain on Monday, he confessed that he was still hurting, “I’m not gonna say that I’m not hurting but it’s a good pain whenever it’s all towards winning.” If he suits up, which he is likely to, Jimmy needs to keep in mind the journey to the championship is long, and he cannot risk worsening his health by going extra hard against the Rockets.
Do you think Jimmy can keep his emotions in check as the Warriors aim to close the series tonight?
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