“Jimmy’s gonna be fine”: Buddy Hield on Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury in Warriors vs Heat

The Warriors vs Heat clash at Chase Center brought more than just a 135-112 victory, as they also saw their championship dream slipping through their fingers when Jimmy Butler was assisted out of the game after sustaining an injury that has put a full stop to his 2025-26 campaign.

That sight remains a testament to the ruthlessness of basketball, where the biggest of the players are sent out within seconds. For the Golden State Warriors, Jimmy Butler was much more than just a player on the court, he has been the heartbeat of the Dubs' recent resurgence. While the initial vibe from the locker room was one of defiant hope, the morning brought the news every fan in the Bay Area feared: a torn ACL.

Buddy Hield remains optimistic over Jimmy Butler’s injury

Squaring off against his former team on Monday night, Jimmy Butler suffered every player’s living nightmare.

With less than 8 minutes left in the third quarter, the Warriors were on offense, and Butler, while trying to catch a pass, collided with Heat’s Davion Mitchell in the air, resulting in a landing that injured his right leg.In the immediate aftermath of the game, before the MRI results had already shattered the mood, the Warriors' locker room was trying to stay afloat. Buddy Hield, who has formed a close bond with Butler since they became teammates, was the vocal leader of this optimistic march.

Despite seeing Butler helped off the floor, unable to put weight on his right leg, Hield refused to let the dark clouds settle over the team.

"I don't think Jimmy is gonna be out. I think Jimmy is gonna be fine. You can't be talking like that right now. Gotta keep the spirits up. We don't think negative around here, and whatever's to come, he's gonna attack it,” said Hield during the post game conference. Hield’s words perfectly encapsulate the next man up mentality, but unfortunately, the medical reality was less forgiving.

By Tuesday morning, Shams Charania confirmed the worst: Butler’s 2025-26 campaign is over.

Butler’s absence will impact the Golden State system

Losing Jimmy Buckets is more than just losing 20 points and 5 assists per night. Since joining the Warriors in February 2025, Butler has been the ultimate connector, providing the defensive grit and secondary playmaking that allowed Stephen Curry to roam free. With the Warriors sitting at 25-19 and finally looking like legitimate contenders again, this injury feels like a glitch in the Matrix.Now, the pressure shifts back to the supporting cast. With Jonathan Kuminga’s trade limbo, Buddy Hield will see his role expand exponentially as the Warriors scramble to save their season. It’s a devastating blow for a 36-year-old legend, but if we know anything about Jimmy Butler, he’ll be attacking his rehab with the same intensity he brings to a Game 7.