The Golden State Warriors head to the Toyota Center for Game 5 of their first round NBA Playoff series against the Houston Rockets, looking to secure a series-clinching victory. The key storyline for Golden State is the status of Jimmy Butler, who is recovering from a pelvic contusion sustained in Game 2.
Butler suffered the injury after a hard fall following midair contact with the Rockets’ Amen Thompson, which limited him to just eight minutes in that game. He also missed Game 3 entirely, but the Warriors managed to pull off a win without him.
In Game 4, Butler made his return but struggled early in the contest. Despite visible discomfort, he delivered an outstanding second-half performance, scoring 23 of his 27 points after halftime, including 14 in the final quarter. He also added five rebounds and six assists in the Warriors’ crucial win.
Fans of the Warriors can breathe a sigh of relief: Butler is expected to play in tonight’s game. According to Anthony Slater, Butler has been listed as probable and is likely to suit up as Golden State looks to close out the series.
Butler’s playoff impact
Nicknamed “Playoff Jimmy” for a reason, Butler has been pivotal in the series, shining in Games 1 and 4—the only two contests he’s played in full. He posted 25 and 27 points, respectively, in those matchups and made game-changing plays when the Warriors needed them most.
After his stellar Game 4 performance, Stephen Curry praised Butler’s determination and influence. “Sheer determination and will,” Curry said. “We held it down in Game 3. I know he wanted to be out there. Injuries are tough, especially in the playoffs, but for him to gut through that first half and get the will to get turnt up [for] the second half—both ends of the floor—it’s why he is who he is. It’s why he means so much to us. Gutty performance for sure”.
Draymond Green on Butler’s Game 4 resilience
Draymond Green also acknowledged Butler’s early struggles in Game 4 but emphasized his leadership and perseverance. “First three quarters he couldn’t move,” Green said via NBC Sports Bay Area.
“Yet he never complained. He stuck with it,” he continued. “I think what was most important was when the time was right, everybody on our side looked to get him the ball. When you get him the ball, he made great things happen for himself or for others. It was huge”.