Jimmy Butler's True Character Shows After Season-Ending News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 7:11 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors suffered defeat in their first game following Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury. Butler was helped to the locker room on Monday against the Miami Heat and was unable to return. The team announced on Tuesday that the six-time All-Star tore the ACL in his right knee and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Warriors played on the second night of a back-to-back set on Tuesday night. With Butler sidelined, Golden State suffered a blowout loss to the Toronto Raptors, 145-127.

Buddy Hield went off for the Warriors in the loss, scoring 25 points off the bench on 6-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) suffered an injury on Jan. 19 against the Miami Heat.© Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Hield spoke to reporters after the game to discuss his performance. The 6-foot-4 swingman also took the opportunity to share an update on Butler, with whom he has built a friendship during their time together with the team.

Hield shared Butler’s current state amid the latter's unfortunate situation.

“He’s being Jimmy,” Hield said. “He’s happy. Of course, he wants to play… He’s in high spirits. For a person to be in high spirits after an injury like that just shows his character.”

“He’s being Jimmy. He’s happy. Of course, he wants to play… He’s in high spirits. For a person to be in high spirits after an injury like that just shows his character.”

Buddy on conversations with Jimmy/ how he’s doing pic.twitter.com/oPzXos45XZ
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) January 21, 2026

Butler has a lengthy rehab ahead. Surgery is likely, and the 36-year-old will need every ounce of his positive attitude as he works his way back to full strength. There is no guarantee that Butler will be ready to return for the start of the 2026-27 season, but the fact that he’s in high spirits is a good sign nonetheless.

Butler’s absence opened up minutes for Jonathan Kuminga, who returned to the lineup for the first time since Dec. 18. The 6-foot-7 forward announced his return with 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, five rebounds, two assists, a steal and one three-pointer in 21 minutes off the bench.

Kuminga has already requested a trade away from the Warriors. However, he could feature in Steve Kerr’s rotation again now that Butler’s done for the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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