Massive Injury Blow to Warriors as Jimmy Butler Ruled Out Mid-Game against Suns (Nov. 4)

Jimmy Butler missed the entire second half of action during the Golden State Warriors' game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. The veteran forward didn’t close the first half either, as he was clearly troubled by a back issue. The former Miami Heat star was questionable with lower back soreness before the game, and his status was later upgraded before tip off.

During the first half against the Suns, Butler had a heat pad around it while resting on the bench. Concerns grew when Butler didn't start the second half for the Dubs, with Moses Moody taking his place in the lineup. The Warriors later ruled out the star wing for the remainder of the game with lower back soreness.

Warriors PR

@WarriorsPR

Jimmy Butler III (lower back soreness) will not return to tonight’s game.

Jimmy Butler's night came to an end after he clocked just 14 minutes on the court. He struggled to shoot the ball efficiently during his limited minutes on the court and went 1 of 5 from the floor, including 0 of 1 from 3-point range. The Warriors star pulled down four rebounds and dished out two assists.

Meanwhile, Moody made the most of the increased minutes in Butler's absence. The young guard was nails from beyond the arc, with his blistering 3-point shooting paving the way for the Warriors' 118-107 win. Moody finished with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 34 minutes, shooting 7 of 11 from the floor, including 5 of 8 from deep.

Warriors fans react to Jimmy Butler injury

The Warriors fans stormed the internet and made their feelings crystal clear after Jimmy Butler aggravated his back injury. Netizens highlighted Butler's importance to the Dubs and advised the team to err on the side of caution.

A fan said:

BANG‼️

@butterpecanbang

For all the idiots who somehow think Jimmy doesn’t change everything for the warriors look no further than this game. If “doesn’t show up in the stat sheet” was a person it’s Jimmy. I had almost forgot how bad they looked without him. To think they were like this night in and

Said another:

Factsyo

@Factsyo_

why was he even playing he looked like ben roethlisberger out there

A fan commented:

madison⁴⁴

@_7Madison

that's good, let him recover 2 quarters faster and heal up that back for tomorrow

Commented another:

aly

@jinthirty

Better rest him now should’ve done it the whole game

The Warriors are scheduled to play against the Sacramento Kings on the back end of a back-to-back on Wednesday. All eyes will be on Butler and how his injury shapes up in the next 24 hours. Having said that, the veteran forward is likely to remain sidelined from the Kings game.