Jimmy Butler’s first season with the Golden State Warriors has come to an abrupt halt.
The NBA has officially confirmed on Tuesday, January 20, that the veteran forward has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in (ACL) his right knee, an injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the season.
The injury occurred midway through the third quarter of the previous night’s game against the Miami Heat, Butler’s former team. After receiving the ball in the paint, Butler collided with Miami guard Davion Mitchell and landed awkwardly. His knee buckled as he hit the floor, and he immediately grabbed at it while remaining down for several moments.
Teammates Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield helped Butler to his feet, but he was unable to put weight on the leg as he made his way to the locker room. Although Golden State initially listed him for further evaluation, an MRI later confirmed the severity of the injury.
Despite the frightening moment, Butler’s demeanor remained characteristically upbeat. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr noted that Butler was still lobbying for free throws after the foul, saying it was “two shots,” even while in visible pain.
“We’re all really concerned, but we’ll know more after the MRI,” Kerr said postgame, before the diagnosis became official. “Everybody is subdued because of the injury.”
Stephen Curry echoed that sentiment, while also pointing out Butler’s unique approach to adversity. “Usually you expect him to get up,” Curry said. “But even then, he was still cracking jokes. That’s just who he is. In the worst moments, he still finds a way to stay himself.”
Before exiting, Butler was in the middle of a strong performance. In just under 21 minutes, he scored 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, adding four assists and three rebounds.
Entering the week, Butler was averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, ranking second on the team in scoring behind Curry.
Kerr emphasized Butler’s impact on and off the floor, calling him “an alpha” whose presence is felt the moment he steps into the gym. “We can play through him possession after possession,” Kerr said. “We’re going to miss him.”