Jimmy Butler Returns: Warriors Star Set to Ignite Game 4 vs. Rockets

The Golden State Warriors are getting a much-needed boost Monday night: Jimmy Butler is back.

Butler was made to miss Game 3 following a frightening incident in Game 2 that left him with a pelvic contusion. The Warriors, though, fought without him and worked out a 104-93 victory over the Houston Rockets to go 2-1 in the series. Golden State is now preparing to seize control of this first-round battle after their star forward has been authorized to return to the starting lineup.

Butler had been listed as questionable leading into Game 4, but head coach Steve Kerr offered a hopeful pregame update: “We’re hopeful that he’ll play, but he’s gotta warm up first.” Fortunately for Warriors fans, the warm-up went well. Even better? No minutes restriction.

Butler has been a workhorse for the Warriors since arriving at the trade deadline. He played 42 minutes in Game 1, 40 in the play-in win over Memphis, and a jaw-dropping 48 in their regular-season finale against the Clippers. But coming off an injury, even the Warriors' sports medicine staff wasn’t sure if he’d be able to shoulder that kind of load again. “It’s going to depend on how he’s feeling once he’s out there,” said Rick Celebrini, the team’s director of sports medicine.

Regardless of his minute count, Butler’s presence is a game-changer—especially on offense. “He completely changed everything for us,” Kerr said. “We’ve always had Steph’s movement and flow, but now we’ve added elite isolation play to the mix.”

Still, if Butler can’t play heavy minutes, Kerr and the coaching staff will have some tough calls to make. Will Jonathan Kuminga, who was pulled from the rotation in Game 3, stay sidelined? Will Quinten Post, who stepped in with solid rim protection and rebounding last game, see major minutes again?

Kerr is sticking with the starting five from Games 1 and 2—the group that clicked so well during the regular season. But don't count out Post just yet. If Butler ends up limited, Golden State may need Post’s size and grit down the stretch.

“Every game is different, and we have to read it,” Kerr said. “Gary Payton II gave us a big spark in the fourth last game. Getting him the ball in the pocket against their blitz worked really well. But I’m sure Houston will have an answer tonight, so we’ve got to be ready to shift—whether that’s tactics or personnel.”

With Butler back and the series heating up, Game 4 promises to be a high-stakes chess match. One thing’s for sure: The Warriors aren’t just playing to win—they’re playing to take over.