Steve Kerr Hints at Jimmy Butler’s Potential Return for Game 3 Against Rockets
San Francisco, April 26, 2025 – Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr provided a hopeful update on star forward Jimmy Butler’s status for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, set for Saturday night at Chase Center. Following a short team practice and an extended film session, Kerr revealed that Butler, who suffered a pelvic and deep gluteal muscle contusion in Game 2, participated in individual work on the side. “I’m relatively optimistic,” Kerr said. “I think there’s a chance he plays.”
Butler’s injury occurred during a hard fall in the first quarter of Wednesday’s 109-94 loss to the Rockets, when he was undercut by Houston’s Amen Thompson while attempting a rebound. An MRI on Thursday confirmed no structural damage, a positive sign for the Warriors, though Butler remains listed as questionable. His potential return is critical, as the Warriors are 25-9 since Butler’s debut on February 8, including a standout 25-point, seven-rebound, six-assist, five-steal performance in their Game 1 victory.
Kerr’s optimism stems from Butler’s renowned toughness. “Jimmy is Jimmy. We know he’s willing to play through anything,” Kerr noted, though he emphasized the injury is day-to-day. If Butler is unable to play, Kerr indicated the team would need to rethink rotations, potentially leaning on Jonathan Kuminga, who returned to the lineup in Game 2 after being benched in Game 1.
With the series tied 1-1, Butler’s availability could be a game-changer as the Warriors aim to reclaim home-court advantage. Fans and analysts await further updates as tip-off approaches.
