In a concerning moment during Game Two of the NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler suffered a significant fall that resulted in him leaving the game and not returning. The incident occurred while Butler was involved in a physical play under the basket, prompting immediate concern from players and fans alike. Following the game, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided an update on Butler’s condition in his postgame interview.
Kerr expressed his sympathy for Butler, stating, “I feel terrible for Jimmy. Hopefully, he’s okay. We’ll see.” He confirmed that Butler would undergo an MRI the following day to assess the extent of his injury. Kerr commended Butler for his determination to play, noting that the star player had been feeling unwell throughout the day but still made an effort to contribute to the team. “He got an IV at halftime,” Kerr mentioned, indicating Butler’s commitment despite his health challenges.
The coach was asked about Butler’s state after the fall, and while he acknowledged Butler’s resilience—recalling that the player often reassures his teammates he will be fine—Kerr emphasized the need for the MRI results to determine the severity of the injury.
Regarding the play that led to Butler’s fall, Kerr remarked that he had not yet seen the replay but had spoken to his staff, who believed the incident was the result of normal physicality during a rebounding situation. “It looked like there was some physicality on the rebound,” Kerr explained, adding that it was an inadvertent collision that occurred during a competitive moment in the game.
The overall atmosphere of the game was characterized by increased physicality, which Kerr noted had been anticipated given the stakes of the playoff series. “Houston played great; they were really physical,” he said. The Rockets demonstrated strong defensive prowess, with their aggressive play contributing to a successful night on both ends of the court.
As the Heat look to regroup, Kerr emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “We just got to lick our wounds and back to work.” The team’s focus now shifts to awaiting Butler’s MRI results, as his health will be critical for Miami’s chances moving forward in the playoffs.