Warriors guard Gary Payton II departed Tuesday’s game against Orlando in the third quarter with a strained left hamstring, just his second game back from a right calf injury that kept him out of action for 13 games, according to Kendra Andrews of ESPN.com. He didn’t pick up the game again.
When Payton was defending Magic guard Cole Anthony as he brought the ball up the court, Payton got hurt. The Warriors guard stumbled as he tried to escape Paolo Banchero’s screen (Video via NBC Sports Bay Area).
Following the game, head coach Steve Kerr stated that he was unsure of the injury’s severity and the number of games Payton would miss as a result. But according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, it’s “clear” that the guard will miss more time.
More than anything, I’m sorry for him here. I’m sad for us too, but mostly for him,” Kerr remarked, as Andrews reported. “He has such a significant influence on us. So let’s hope he isn’t absent for too long.
Having only scored double digits in two of his 16 games this season, Payton doesn’t offer much offensively for the Warriors.
But he is a vital member of the wing rotation and is perhaps the team’s best perimeter defender.
In Payton’s 261 minutes this season, Golden State has a +5.3 net rating; in the 1,338 minutes he hasn’t played, that number is -0.5.
Warriors guard Chris Paul said of him, “He’s such a big part of our team.” People might not notice, but he has the same enthusiasm for every practice and game of the day. Our happiness at his return has been immense. Therefore, I’m hoping that whatever it is won’t take too long. I believe that his main goal will be to become as healthy as possible.
Klay Thompson continued, “He relieves so much pressure for us, as far as guarding goes.” “We just want to be healthy, but I’m sure we’ll miss him.”
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