Game 2 between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors had fans on edge early, with a scary moment involving Jimmy Butler just 2:28 into the first quarter. After a missed jumper by Amen Thompson, Butler went up to contest the rebound but landed hard on his pelvis following what appeared to be a mid-air collision.
The contact came as Thompson collided with Butler’s legs — seemingly thrown off balance by contact with Draymond Green. While Butler was able to get up under his own power and attempted to play through it, he was eventually sent to the locker room and did not return.
Fans and analysts quickly split on the blame. Some pointed to Draymond Green for initiating contact with Thompson that caused the pileup. Others believe Thompson acted on his own, intentionally sliding under Butler mid-air.
Steve Kerr addressed the situation postgame:
“I think Thompson just inadvertently found himself under Jimmy. Our guys behind the bench didn't think there was anything wrong with the play.”
Multiple replays show Green’s movement may have triggered the chain reaction, but his history of physical play certainly didn’t help his case. Earlier in the game, Green shoved Thompson to the floor while setting a high-ball screen — earning Thompson a defensive foul in the process. Moments before that, Thompson was also on the receiving end of a hard, uncalled screen from Gary Payton II, which led to Stephen Curry hitting his first 3-pointer of the night.
Losing Jimmy Butler could finish the Warriors
Butler’s early exit didn’t just change the tone — it shifted the entire game. Meant to be a stabilizing postseason force, Butler finished with just three points in eight minutes, and his absence left a gaping hole in the Warriors' offense and defense.
The team never found its rhythm. Curry scored 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting in 37 minutes but struggled to create the space he needed. Quentin Post and Moses Moody pitched in with double-digit scoring, and Pat Spencer provided a spark off the bench with 11 points in 12 minutes, but it wasn’t enough.
Houston capitalized quickly. Jalen Green bounced back with a dominant 38-point, 6-assist performance, while Alperen Sengun posted a monster double-double: 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. Sengun continues to make his case as one of the most reliable postseason bigs this year.
The Rockets now head to Golden State with momentum and a 2–0 series lead, entering the newly charged Chase Center atmosphere for Game 3.
The biggest storyline heading into Game 3? Butler’s health. His status could define not only the next game but the outcome of the entire series. Without him, the Warriors look vulnerable on both ends of the floor. With him, they at least have a fighting chance.