Despite missing Jimmy Butler due to a pelvic contusion, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round clash.
Amen Thompson took Butler’s legs out from under him, causing him to fall hard in the first quarter of Game 2. He was ruled out of the next game after hitting the ground hard. He will have had three full days of rest and most of Monday to recover, even though he is still categorized as “questionable” for Monday’s Game 4.
Butler’s condition was just updated in a positive way for the Warriors.
Butler’s absence has allowed the Rockets to double-team Stephen Curry, who was blamed for the Dubs’ lackluster performance in Game 2. But in the series’ final games, Houston will probably have their hands full.
“Jimmy Butler worked out on the practice court pregame, per source,” reported The Athletic’s insider Anthony Slater on Saturday. “Medical team held him out to give body two more days to heal, but there’s a belief he will be back for Game 4 on Monday night with the Warriors searching for 3-1 series lead over the Rockets.”
With one more game at Chase Center before the series moves back to Houston, the Warriors could be within striking distance of an upset and establish themselves as a serious Finals contender. Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Steve Kerr in particular are all too familiar with the fact that a 3-1 lead does not mean a series is over.