Golden State Warriors star forward Jimmy Butler III left Monday’s home matchup against the Miami Heat early with a right knee injury.
Butler and his teammates’ reactions raised serious concerns about the severity of his setback as the Warriors continue their battle for playoff positioning in the crowded Western Conference.
How Did Jimmy Butler III Injure His Right Knee?
With Golden State ahead 77-75 with 7:41 remaining in the third quarter, Butler cut to the basket and attempted to catch a feed from teammate Brandin Podziemski that was off target.
After colliding with Heat guard Davion Mitchell mid-air and drawing a foul, Butler landed awkwardly on his right leg, causing it to buckle. The six-time All-Star immediately collapsed to the floor in agony, clutching at his right knee as his teammates came over to check on him, with several expressing worry.
Jimmy Butler III suffers a scary right knee injury against Miami pic.twitter.com/CQhVZo5Hdh
— StatHunter (@stat_hunter) January 20, 2026
Butler was unable to put pressure on his right leg as he was assisted to the locker room by teammates Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. Shortly after, the 36-year-old was ruled out for the rest of the contest, finishing with 17 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals, shooting 6-for-11 (54.5%) across 21 minutes of action.
Jimmy Butler III gets assisted to the locker room pic.twitter.com/pbpuO5faCr
— StatHunter (@stat_hunter) January 20, 2026
If Butler faces an extended absence, the likes of Hield, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II could all be candidates for increased playing time, while Kuminga could re-enter the rotation. Richard replaced Butler in the Warriors’ starting five during Saturday’s 136-116 home win over the Charlotte Hornets, with the 15-year veteran out due to personal reasons.
Following Butler’s early exit, Golden State ultimately cruised to a commanding 135-112 victory behind a well-rounded team effort, marking its fourth straight win. Still, the Warriors (25-19) are just 2-4 with Butler sidelined this season, in contrast to their strong 23-15 record when he suits up.
Butler is now undergoing an MRI, with his squad hoping for the best.
“I haven’t talked to him since the game, but you never like to see a situation like that, especially somebody as tough as he is,” Warriors superstar point guard Stephen Curry shared postgame. “Praying for the best, obviously, with scans and all that. We’ll figure it out, but hopefully he is alright.”
Steph Curry on the Jimmy Butler injury:
“I haven’t talked to him since the game but you never like to see a situation like that especially somebody as tough as he is. Praying for the best obviously with scans and all that. Hopefully he is alright” https://t.co/I61oJnbpBe pic.twitter.com/Hfud4ve340
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 20, 2026
Meanwhile, Golden State coach Steve Kerr added that the team is “subdued” as it waits to “hear the news” on Butler’s condition.
Update: Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Warriors’ worst fears were realized early Tuesday morning, as Butler has been diagnosed with a season-ending torn right ACL.
