The Golden State Warriors are bracing for Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with uncertainty surrounding Jimmy Butler’s status. Head coach Steve Kerr addressed the situation after the Warriors secured a 104-93 win in Game 3 on Saturday night, which gave them a 2-1 series lead.
Butler, who suffered a pelvic injury and a deep gluteal muscle contusion in Game 2, was unable to suit up for Game 3. Despite his absence, Kerr’s squad dug deep to secure a crucial victory, with standout performances from Stephen Curry and key contributions from Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II. Curry led the way with 36 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, while Hield added 17 points off the bench.
Kerr shared his thoughts on winning without Butler, highlighting the team’s defensive efforts. “We were out of sorts early, but our defense kept us in the game. We were down by 13 at one point, but it didn’t feel insurmountable,” said Kerr. “The key was how we closed the second quarter and gained momentum.”
Looking ahead to Game 4, Kerr confirmed that Butler’s availability remains uncertain. “He’s literally day-to-day. Having tomorrow off will help, and the night game on Monday gives him a few extra hours,” Kerr explained. “We’ll see how he progresses.”
Butler’s presence on the court has been pivotal for the Warriors throughout the season. His leadership and scoring ability have made him a cornerstone of their offense. Without him, Golden State had to adjust, including changes to the starting lineup, and relied on players like Curry and Payton to step up in big moments.
As the series heads into Game 4, the Warriors are hopeful Butler will be able to return, but for now, Kerr and the team are preparing for the possibility of continuing without him.
Game 4 is scheduled for Monday night at Chase Center, and the Warriors will be aiming to extend their lead in the series as they await Butler’s decision on his availability.
