Jimmy Butler left early from the Warriors’ home game against the Thunder on Tuesday night after reportedly suffering what was designated a sore left knee.
After a play in which he lost his shoe on the baseline, the 36-year-old forward hobbled off mid-second quarter. He came briefly but missed the second half; officials declared him out before the fourth quarter started.
Shooting 2-of-7 from the field, Jimmy Butler added only six points, three rebounds, and one assist in his short 15-minute performance. He had been averaging 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season, coming into the game.
Golden State made an amazing comeback even without Butler. Having trailed by up to 22 points in the third quarter,the Golden State Warriors significantly reduced the deficit with excellent bench play led by Pat Spencer, Gary Payton II, and newcomer Seth Curry. Fueling a comeback surge, Spencer scored 17 points; Payton and Curry each added 13 and 14, respectively.
Could this injury affect the depth of the Warriors?
Given that Stephen Curry is already sidelined with a quad problem, the Warriors’ depth raises questions about the timing of Butler’s departure and the ambiguity around the intensity of his knee discomfort.
Golden State’s bench has been pushed into more minutes and responsibility absence of both stalwarts. Though the reserves displayed resiliency and heart on Tuesday, Butler’s recovery schedule will determine the weight carried by the supporting cast.
The Oklahoma City Thunder came out on top 124-112 by the close of the night, giving the Warriors their eleventh defeat of the season and lowering Golden State’s record to 11-11.
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Regarding Butler, the team has given no thorough update other than categorising the problem as a sore knee; hence, supporters and analysts are left to eagerly await information on his status.