No More Butler For Curry: GSW's Jimmy Butler Incurs Season-Ending ACL Injury - Report

Last Updated:January 20, 2026, 15:42 IST

Jimmy Butler suffered a torn right ACL, ending his season and dealing a major blow to the Golden State Warriors’ playoff hopes after their recent surge.

Warriors' Jimmy Butler is set to be ruled out for the entire season (AP)

Things have gone from difficult to disastrous for the Golden State Warriors.

Jimmy Butler has suffered a torn right ACL and will miss the rest of the season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, dealing a crushing blow to a Warriors team that had finally begun to build momentum.

The injury occurred midway through the third quarter of Monday night’s 135–112 win over the Miami Heat when Butler rose to collect an entry pass in the paint and collided with Davion Mitchell on the way down. His right knee twisted awkwardly on the landing, and he immediately crumpled to the floor in visible pain.

The Chase Center fell quiet as Butler stayed down for several minutes, surrounded by teammates and staff. He was eventually helped to his feet but could not put any weight on his right leg.

In a moment that summed up his personality, Butler joked with officials that he was still owed two free throws as he was escorted off.

Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga supported him down the tunnel, where he was placed in a wheelchair and taken for further evaluation.

An MRI later confirmed the worst: a season-ending ACL tear.

The timing could hardly be more brutal. Golden State had won 12 of its last 16 games and was climbing back into playoff contention at 25–19.

Butler was a major reason for that surge, averaging 21.3 points in January while shooting an efficient 53 percent from the field. He had 17 points in just 21 minutes against his former team before the injury.

At 36, Butler has been a stabilising force alongside Stephen Curry this season. Acquired from Miami in February 2025, he signed a two-year, $111 million extension and quickly became a central figure in Golden State’s plans.

Despite the team’s ups and downs, Butler delivered consistently, averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists while appearing in 38 of 44 games.

Now, his absence raises uncomfortable questions about the Warriors’ immediate future.

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