Overview
- Butler was announced in the starting lineup, then ruled out moments before tipoff for personal reasons despite no prior injury listing and a full pregame routine.
- He was not on the bench, and rookie forward Will Richard moved into the starting five in his place.
- Kerr said he was told by Mike Dunleavy Jr. that everything is fine and indicated Butler is expected to be available for the next game against the Heat.
- Golden State beat Charlotte 136-116 with 23 made three-pointers, improving to 24-19 as De’Anthony Melton scored 24 off the bench and Draymond Green added 20.
- The abrupt change prompted worry and online speculation, while the team maintained privacy by citing personal reasons without further details.