Breaking Injury January 20, 2026 5 min read

DEVASTATING BLOW: JIMMY BUTLER SUFFERS SEASON-ENDING ACL TEAR WITH WARRIORS

Six-time All-Star's season with Golden State comes to an abrupt end after suffering a torn ACL against his former team, the Miami Heat.

Jimmy Butler during his time with the Golden State Warriors before the injury.

In what can only be described as a devastating turn of events for the Golden State Warriors, six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler has suffered a complete tear of his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during last night's emotionally charged matchup against the Miami Heat. The injury occurred with 4:32 remaining in the third quarter and will require surgery, effectively ending Butler's highly anticipated first season in the Bay Area.

THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGED

The injury happened during a fast break when Butler drove to the basket and attempted a contested layup. Upon landing, his left knee buckled awkwardly, and the veteran forward immediately fell to the court in visible pain. The Chase Center fell silent as medical personnel rushed to attend to the 36-year-old star.

"You could tell right away it was serious," said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr during the postgame press conference. "Jimmy is one of the toughest competitors I've ever been around. When he stayed down like that, we all knew something was wrong."

"This is heartbreaking for Jimmy, for our team, and for our fans. He worked so hard to get here and was playing some of the best basketball of his career. We'll be here to support him every step of the way through his recovery."

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach

MRI CONFIRMS WORST FEARS

An MRI conducted this morning at the Warriors' practice facility confirmed what many had feared: a complete tear of the ACL in Butler's left knee. The team released an official statement shortly after noon, confirming that Butler will undergo surgery next week and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Butler, who was acquired by Golden State in a blockbuster trade during the offseason, had been averaging 22.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting an impressive 51% from the field. His veteran leadership and two-way prowess had been instrumental in helping the Warriors climb to third place in the Western Conference standings.

IMPACT ON THE WARRIORS' CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES

The timing of the injury couldn't be worse for Golden State, who had assembled their roster with legitimate championship aspirations. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Butler forming one of the league's most formidable trios, many analysts had predicted a deep playoff run for the Warriors.

Now, the franchise faces difficult questions about how to move forward. While Curry and Thompson remain elite players, the loss of Butler's defense, playmaking, and clutch scoring leaves a significant void that will be difficult to fill.

20.0

Points Per Game

5.5

Rebounds Per Game

4.9

Assists Per Game

51.9%

Field Goal Percentage

AN EMOTIONAL RETURN GOES WRONG

Adding to the emotional weight of the situation is the fact that the injury occurred against the Miami Heat, where Butler spent five memorable seasons and led the franchise to two NBA Finals appearances. The game had been circled on calendars since the schedule was released, with Butler expected to receive a tribute video and warm reception from the Miami crowd.

Heat players, including former teammates Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, were visibly shaken by the injury. Adebayo was seen consoling Butler as he was helped off the court and later posted on social media: "Praying for my brother. Jimmy is the strongest person I know. He'll be back."

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

ACL injuries typically require 9-12 months of rehabilitation before a player can return to competitive action. For Butler, who turns 37 in September, the recovery process presents unique challenges. However, advances in sports medicine and Butler's renowned work ethic give reason for optimism about his eventual return.

"Jimmy has always defied the odds," said Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. "From being the 30th pick in the draft to becoming one of the best players in the league, he's overcome every obstacle in his path. We have full confidence he'll attack this rehab the same way he attacks everything else in life."

PROJECTED TIMELINE

1
Surgery
Scheduled for next week
2
Initial Recovery
6-8 weeks post-surgery rehabilitation
3
Strength Training
3-6 months intensive physical therapy
4
Return to Basketball Activities
Expected Fall 2026

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE WARRIORS?

With Butler sidelined, the Warriors must quickly adapt their strategy for the remainder of the season. The team has several options, including promoting players from within, exploring the trade market, or signing a free agent to help fill the void.

Young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody will likely see increased playing time and responsibility. Both players have shown flashes of potential and now have an opportunity to prove they can contribute at a high level when called upon.

Despite the setback, the Warriors organization remains committed to competing this season. "We still have Stephen Curry, one of the greatest players to ever play this game," Kerr noted. "As long as Steph is healthy and playing at this level, we have a chance every night."

NBA News Team

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