The Golden State Warriors came away with a 104-96 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, pushing their record to 11-10. But while the scoreboard showed a solid victory, the game itself delivered a heart-stopping moment that had everyone in Chase Center - and likely across the Bay - holding their breath.
Late in the second quarter, Jimmy Butler III went up for what looked like a routine layup. Instead, it turned into a scary scene.
As Butler was airborne, Pelicans guard Micah Peavy slid underneath him, undercutting his legs and sending Butler crashing hard to the hardwood. He landed squarely on his hip - a brutal fall that immediately drew a flagrant foul on Peavy and concern from the Warriors bench.
Butler stayed down for a moment, clearly shaken and in pain. Given his injury history, this wasn’t just a typical in-game tumble.
It was the kind of fall that could shift a season. But in true Butler fashion, he got up, shook it off, and stayed in the game.
Afterward, head coach Steve Kerr offered some insight into Butler’s condition - and did it with a bit of trademark humor.
"Everything" Hurts - And That’s Not Just Jimmy
“I’m sure he’ll be sore tomorrow,” Kerr said with a grin. “I asked him when it happened, ‘What hurts?’
And he said, ‘Everything.’ I said, ‘Me too, but I’m 60.
I’m supposed to be hurting.’”
The exchange was lighthearted, but beneath the jokes was a shared understanding: Butler’s presence on the court is critical, and every hard fall carries weight. The Warriors have seen what life is like without him - and they’d prefer not to revisit it.
So far this season, Butler’s been more durable than in years past, suiting up for 19 of Golden State’s 21 games. That’s a promising sign for a player who’s battled his share of setbacks. And Saturday night was a reminder of just how vital he is to the Warriors’ success.
Butler’s Impact: More Than Just Points
It wasn’t just that Butler got up and kept playing - it’s what he did after the fall that really told the story. He led the team in scoring with 24 points, setting the tone on both ends of the floor and energizing his teammates when they needed it most.
There’s a certain switch Butler can flip - and when he does, it changes the entire rhythm of the game. He has that rare ability to take over without forcing it, to read the moment and elevate not just his own play, but the confidence of everyone around him.
“He was incredible the way he took over the game,” Kerr said. “I thought we got a lot of great performances, but the key was taking care of the ball.
Just allowing ourselves to control the game, or keep it under control, not let it get away from us. Even when they took the lead, we weren’t really making mistakes.
We gave ourselves a chance for Jimmy to take over and guys to make big shots.”
That’s the blueprint for this Warriors team - steady execution, smart possessions, and a star who can rise when the game tightens. Butler was that star on Saturday, and his ability to stay in rhythm after such a jarring fall speaks volumes about his toughness and focus.
Looking Ahead
The Warriors know they’re walking a fine line this season. They’ve had flashes of brilliance and stretches of inconsistency. But when Butler is healthy and locked in, they look like a team that can make noise in the West.
That’s why every hard landing matters. Every grimace, every awkward fall - it’s all magnified when you’re dealing with a player this essential. But if Saturday night proved anything, it’s that Butler’s not just playing through pain - he’s playing through it and leading the charge.
For now, the Warriors can breathe a sigh of relief. They got the win, and more importantly, they got through the night with their star still upright.
But as Kerr hinted, there’s no doubt Butler will be sore the next day. The good news?
He’s earned a little soreness - because on Saturday, he carried the load.