Jimmy Butler Injury: Steve Kerr’s Doubts About Jonathan Kuminga Just Got Justified in Game 2
There were just under 2:30 minutes left in the first quarter. Rockets, looking to strike back after the first game loss, had a slender 22-16 lead, and the Warriors’ nightmare just became real. Rockets guard Amen Thompson lost his balance and ran into Jimmy Butler’s legs.
Warrior’s second top-scorer was in the air to collect the defensive rebound, but he fell hard to the court with his body parallel to the ground after a collision with Thomson. Though the Rockets’ forward got back after a breather, Butler was visibly in pain. He finally left the court and underwent scans confirming his unavailability for the game.
Although Butler is looking forward to once again getting back on the floor for game 3, even after sustaining a pelvis contusion, the forward is set to undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of the injury. But in game 2? With Jimmy Butler out, the Houston Rockets overpowered the Warriors and levelled the series with a 109-94 win at Toyota Centre.
Was it intentional? No, Steve Kerr was satisfied with the official call and even stated that it was ‘unintentional’.
“We didn’t think there was anything wrong with the play. It was just one of those plays. Hopefully Jimmy will be able to play, but if not we have to go through our options and put together a plan.”
That’s fine, but who would replace Butler in the five? With the former Miami Heat star out, Steve Kerr was forced to call his young stars, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody and Quinten Post. Kuminga had the most experience and had delivered in the past. Coach Kerr received a lot of backlash for benching the young forward for three consecutive games.
Kuminga had a great chance to prove his worth once again and more importantly, prove Kerr wrong. But in 26 minutes of game time, Kuminga dropped just 11 points, adding 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
He was 4-of-12 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. Defensively, Kuminga couldn’t impact the game as Jalen Green erupted for 38 points, leading the game in points. Importantly, Houston never trailed in the whole game and even had as many as 20 points at one point.
Just a heads up, the Warriors are 0-3 with Kuminga playing 20+ minutes in the playoffs after a loss in game 2 against the Rockets. This and his recent performance could prove that Steve Kerr’s decision to bench him was right.
Also Read: Steve Kerr’s Words Hint at Uncertain Future for Jonathan Kuminga
Will Jimmy Butler’s Absence Cost the Warriors Their Championship Dream?
It was clear on the hardwood that without Jimmy Butler III the Warriors struggled against the Rockets. His two-way impact, late-game presence and clutch plays have been very handy for the Warriors’ recent surge. And will his absence play a vital role in the series?
Butler’s influence on the court is on both ends. At 35, the star is quick on his feet for the fast break and also in defence. His fourth-quarter play had been highly effective, drawing fouls and scoring buckets, putting the opposition team under pressure till the final whistle. Looking at the current Warriors’ side, Steve Kerr has limited options, especially after trading Andrew Wiggins.
Houston’s physicality proved effective in stopping Curry in the regular season, and with him being the lone scoring threat on the floor, the Rockets will now focus on the former MVP once again to choke the Warriors’ offence. Steve Kerr will be hoping to get Jimmy back as early as possible, else the series might even end in six games.
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