Butler Knee Injury Overshadows Warriors Win Over Heat

Jimmy Butler’s return to face his former team ended on a sour note as the Golden State Warriors beat the Miami Heat 135-112 while Butler exited in the third quarter with a right knee injury and was ruled out. He had 17 points, three rebounds and four assists before leaving; Andrew Wiggins finished with 18. Golden State improved to 25-19, holding eighth in the West, while Miami fell to 22-21. Merlin senses the game was more than box score drama. Butler’s injury matters for both immediate rotation and the Warriors’ tight seeding chase, especially with a second night of a back-to-back coming vs Toronto. If the knee is minor Curry, Wiggins and role players like Moses Moody and Quentin Post can carry the load. If not, Golden State’s depth and Miami’s confidence could both be tested.