Things were getting better for the Warriors. They’ve won four straight and sit just 1.5 games back from an automatic Playoff spot. But that incredible run was dealt a devastating blow on Monday night. After the brutal Jimmy Butler moment during the win over Miami, the team shared an official update. MRIs have confirmed the worst, leaving Dub Nation in disarray.

Shams Charania reported that Butler has suffered a season-ending torn right ACL. The team hasn’t clarified what the prognosis will be going forward.

After missing the last Warrior-Heat matchup in November 2025, Jimmy Butler’s reunion with his former team was supposed to be high energy and higher stakes. It instead turned into a déjà vu of that April 2024 MCL sprain on the same right knee.

During the third quarter, when the Dubs were up by two points, Butler’s knee caved while catching a short pass. He landed wrong and buckled right after. The game paused, and Chase Center grew quiet. Butler was the loudest, screaming in pain and clutching his knee.

Even when the live stream was cut off, audio did indicate how much pain he was in. (He could even be heard playfully arguing with Buddy Hield and yelling, “My knee,” a few times.) His bestie Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II carried him back to the locker room.

Butler had left the arena before the final buzzer. The Warriors didn’t waste time conducting MRIs, and the results confirmed the worst. Everyone was anxious, awaiting the results. Even Steve Kerr admitted everyone was “subdued” after the game. Steph Curry praised Butler for his grit and staying long enough to make two free throws. It wasn’t aired, but it made Chase Center break out in applause.

This is no doubt a massive blow for Butler, and whether this is him done as an elite player, only time will tell. But this will be a heartbreak for Steph Curry, too, who will turn 38 in March. Even before Butler’s injury, the Warriors were actively looking to recruit players who could help the team make a championship run. Now, with Jimmy out for the season, they have to make a decision.

Do they move for an elite star like Giannis Antetokounmpo to ensure the championship window with Curry remains open? Or do they play it safe and look to draft some good talent in the loaded 2026 Draft? Considering age is not on Steph’s side, he will hope the front office can surround him with talent who can win now.

The Golden State Warriors have to recalculate

Against the Heat on Monday, the Warriors rallied and kept the momentum that Butler created. Rookies Malevy Leons and LJ Cryer made their Warriors debut after Butler left the floor. The Dubs beat Miami in a blowout fashion, 135-112.

Now the big question is whether the Warriors can continue this. Butler has been key in keeping the team’s late-game chances alive this season. On January 16, he returned to the second half and turned the Warriors’ 17-point deficit around to finish the game with 32 points.

It’s now turned into a volatile period for the Dubs. Butler had been averaging 20.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, serving as the primary defensive stopper with Draymond Green and a secondary playmaker alongside Curry.

Kerr already spoke about possibly playing Jonathan Kuminga for the first time in 16 games. It dispels rumors that the team and Kuminga’s camp had an agreement not to play him before the trade deadline.

Top Stories

Caitlin Clark Has One Demand After Indiana’s Historic Moment

Congratulations Pour In After Paige Bueckers Takes Home 5-Figure Prize at Unrivaled Event

Fever Guard Announces Move Away From Court Amid WNBA Offseason

Bronny James Surprises With 62,600 All-Star Votes as LeBron Finds Solace In Snubbed Teammate

Draymond Green returns on Tuesday night without a backup in Butler. But Kerr is counting on Gui Santos to be game-ready too. While it’s too soon to tell how this affects the franchise, the Warriors’ outlook in a crowded Western Conference looks increasingly uncertain.