On Monday, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors defeated the Miami Heat135-112. While the Warriors have kept their winning streak alive, there's a looming concern over what happened to Jimmy Butler. The star forward left the game in the middle of the third quarter after going for a rebound.
Butler had an awkward landing on his right knee. He was in visible pain and screamed as he grabbed his knee while lying on the court. The six-time All-Star couldn't put any weight on his right leg as he was escorted by his teammates, Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II, to the locker room.
Butler did not return to the game, the Warriors announced, and fans wait for further updates on his apparent knee injury.
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Following the unfortunate injury, Curry was asked by the media about Butler.
“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,” Curry said. “Praying for the best, obviously with scans and all that. Hopefully, he is alright.”
The two-time MVP also revealed that the star forward was joking around with his teammates even after getting hurt. Butler finished the game with 17 points on 54.5% shooting. Curry led all starters with 19 points and 11 assists on 50.0% shooting from deep.
The Warriors sit at the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings with a 25-19 record. Losing Butler is one of the last things the team wants to experience this season. The former No. 30 pick has been playing well in his second season with Golden State. Through 37 games, he's averaged 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Coach Steve Kerr confirmed with the media after the game that Butler will undergo an MRI scan to determine the severity of his injury.