Game 2 Loss And Butler Injury Cast Shadow Over Playoff Hopes For Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are facing a double dose of trouble after a rough 109–94 loss to the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their playoff series—and a potential injury to their new star, Jimmy Butler.

Butler, who has been a game-changer since joining the Warriors in February, took a hard fall on his tailbone late in the first quarter after being fouled by Amen Thompson. Though he managed to sink one of two free throws, it was clear he was in pain. Struggling to walk, Butler made his way slowly to the locker room, clutching his lower back. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game with a pelvic contusion.

The Warriors confirmed Butler will undergo an MRI on Thursday to assess the severity of the injury.

Losing Butler—even temporarily—would be a major blow for Golden State. The team found its rhythm late in the regular season, going 23-8 after Butler's arrival and entering the playoffs as one of the league's hottest squads.

He lived up to his "Playoff Jimmy" reputation in Game 1, posting 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals to help the Warriors take the series lead.

“Hopefully, Jimmy will be able to play,” said head coach Steve Kerr, ahead of Game 3 on Saturday. “But if not, we have to explore our options and put together a new plan.”

Golden State also had to manage without rookie guard Brandin Podziemski for much of Game 2, as he battled a stomach illness.

Meanwhile, the Rockets bounced back in a big way. After a shaky Game 1 performance, Jalen Green exploded for 38 points, four rebounds, six assists, and three steals. He knocked down eight three-pointers—two more than the entire Rockets team hit in the series opener.

“The lights were bright and my legs were a little shaky in Game 1,” Green admitted. “But tonight, I just focused on being aggressive and playing my game.”

Houston big man Alperen Şengün also delivered a monster stat line with 17 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals.

Warriors legend Steph Curry managed 20 points on the night, becoming just the 11th player in NBA history to surpass 4,000 career playoff points.

With the series tied 1–1, all eyes now turn to Game 3 in the Bay Area on Saturday—and to whether Jimmy Butler will be ready to suit up.