Overview
- Jimmy Butler was ruled out for the second half with a sore lower back after 14 first‑half minutes, leaving for the locker room and not returning.
- The back issue surfaced after Saturday’s loss in Indianapolis; Butler was initially questionable, warmed up pregame and started before exiting in the second quarter.
- Head coach Steve Kerr cited workload concerns for older stars and emphasized leaning on the Warriors’ depth.
- Al Horford sat for left toe injury management and will not play on consecutive nights this season, with a return expected Wednesday in Sacramento.
- Butler had started every game to open the season and has been notably durable and productive since arriving in February, even as the Warriors face a heavy early schedule that includes multiple back‑to‑backs and a six‑games‑in‑nine‑days road trip.