Golden State Warriors’ key player, Jimmy Butler, will undergo surgery and be sidelined for the rest of the season due to an ACL tear in his right knee sustained during the third quarter of their 135-112 win against the Miami Heat, his former team.
The team disclosed this information before their upcoming match against Toronto. Butler got injured on Monday after a collision with Davion Mitchell from the Heat, following which he fell awkwardly after catching a pass in the paint. Despite the injury, Butler’s positive attitude was evident as he requested two free throws post-collision.
Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, expressed concern, awaiting MRI results for further evaluation. The team is now faced with strategizing how to navigate the season without Butler, as the trade deadline approaches in about two weeks.
Butler’s knee buckled upon landing, and he had to be assisted off the court by teammates Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield. Despite the severity of the injury, Butler maintained his sense of humor, cracking jokes even while being helped off the court.
In the game before his injury, Butler scored 17 points in under 21 minutes, showcasing his significant contribution to the team as the second-leading scorer after Stephen Curry. Kerr praised Butler’s leadership and on-court presence, acknowledging the impact his absence will have on the team’s dynamics.