Warriors star Steph Curry gives his thoughts on Jimmy Butler's devastating injury.
The Golden State Warriors lost one of their key pieces on Monday night as forward Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL against the Miami Heat.
The injury occurred with just under eight minutes to go in the third quarter as Butler snatched a rebound away from Heat guard Davion Mitchell. As he landed, Butler's right leg immediately gave out, causing him to fall to the floor in pain.
Butler grabbed at his leg immediately and grimaced as he was checked by teammates.
Butler was helped off the court by teammates. It was later confirmed to be an ACL tear, ending Butler's season.
Steph Curry Comments
In his post-game press conference, Warriors star guard Steph Curry said he hadn't talked to Butler since the game, but it's a situation that you never like to see, "especially with somebody as tough as he is."
Steph said he was praying for the best.
Asked about his immediate reaction, Steph said that he would usually expect Butler to get up and make it to the sideline, but instead, Butler took his time.
"It's kind of funny because he was still cracking jokes while he was still on the ground, in true Jimmy fashion," said Steph.
Steph said that even in the worst moments, Jimmy was still having a good time and that he was trying to get to the free-throw line because he was owed two shots.
Warriors Stepping Up
Asked what would have to change if Butler was going to miss time, Steph didn't want to talk much about Butler's status until things were confirmed, but he praised his teammates for stepping up when Butler got hurt and said they would have to "do it by committee" and "figure out a plan" with Butler out.
The Warriors led the game 77-75 at the time of Butler's injury. They would go on to outscore the Heat, 58-37, en route to a 135-112 victory.
Brandin Podziemski scored eight points in the fourth quarter while Buddy Hield added five points. The Warriors went 7-10 from three in the quarter to put the game out of reach.
Since he was traded to the Warriors, they have a record of 46-22. He's been able to sustain the offense and maintain his defense, while Steph and Draymond Green have been off the floor. He's also gelled with the other two Golden State stars, whether all three have been together or it's been Butler with either Curry or Draymond.
Without Butler, the Warriors will need Podziemski, Moody, Hield, and possibly Jonathan Kuminga to help carry the load.