Golden State Warriors Youngsters Step Up Without Jimmy Butler

The Golden State Warriors had to lean on rookies and sophomores in the absence of Jimmy Butler.

Apr 15, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (21) reacts after making a three point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Golden State was hunting a commanding 2-0 series lead. The Warriors having already picked up Game 1 in the Toyota Center hoped to sweep the first two games of this series on the road and head back to the Bay area with the wind at their backs in an attempt to pull off an upset of the No. 2 seeded Houston Rockets.

However, eight minutes into the game, Jimmy Butler left the court after a collision and hard fall which forced him to miss the rest of Wednesday's Game 2 with a Pelvic injury.

Head coach Steve Kerr had to dig deep into his rotation to make up for the loss of his co-star and more of a load was put on the shoulders of superstar Steph Curry who poured in 20 points, dished out nine assists, hauled in five rebounds, swiped a steal and swatted a shot. Curry went 6-for-15 from the floor and 4-for-9 from beyond the arc.

The Warriors called on rookie Quentin Post and second-year guard Pat Spencer to fill holes left behind in Golden State's rotation.

Post finished with 12 points, a steal, an assist and two rebounds on 4-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Spencer chipped in 11 points, handed out an assist, swept up a rebound and went 5-for-7 from the floor including 1-for-1 from beyond the arc.

The series is now tied 1-1 after the Houston Rockets defend its home court to get a Game 2 win, 109-94. Though, the Warriors did its job at least securing one road win to start the series. Now, the attention turns to Butler and his availability moving forward.