NBA News: Jimmy Butler exits the game against the Warriors with an apparent ankle injury.

published

4/1/2022 6:00 PM

Jimmy Butler of Miami heat suffered an ankle injury in the game against the Warriors. Let us check on the impact of the injury.

Miami Heat team was facing the league leaders Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center. The Heat already had their 5-game winning streak snapped by a surprise loss to the Sacramento Kings, and also were missing some key players for this game.

But the Heat team looked determined to win the game with available players. Jimmy Butler in particular was spectacular at both ends of the floor, scoring 12 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists in 1st half only. The Warriors managed 5 point lead at halftime with Wiggins and Poole scoring 16 and 14 points respectively.

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry was defended well by the heat team limiting him to just 7 points, 4 assists in the first 2 quarters.

Jimmy Butler injury and its impact on Miami Heat

Miami Heat started the third Quarter well with Butler making some big plays. He quickly scored 10 points in 8 minutes of play cutting the Warriors lead to just 1 point halfway through the quarter.

Golden State Warriors quickly made adjustments and again got 6 point lead through Poole and Wiggins. With around 3:15 on the clock, Butler tried to dribble around the defender, lost his footings, and fall on the court with pain.

Butler was then taken to the locker room for further inspection. On the court, the Warriors took advantage of Butler’s absence winning the game by 7 points. Jordan Poole scored game-high 32 points off the bench.

Butler was the top scorer for the heat even not playing in the last 15 minutes of the game. His return is not confirmed yet but his absence in the game hurt the team badly. Jimmy had already missed 15 games this season and Miami was seen struggling without their influential leader.

The Heat will be hoping for early recovery for Butler as they already have some of their stars like Bam Adebayo (expected return 12th Jan), Victor Oladipo (expected return 15th Jan), and Markieff Morris sidelined due to injury.

Miami remains 4th in the East with a 1.5 games advantage over the Cavaliers. Miami Heat will have 3 away games next against Portland, Phoenix, and Atlanta in 9 days period. (till 12th Jan).