Golden State Warriors have yet again suffered another major injury blow in Gary Payton II. After making a comeback from a calf injury that sidelined him for 13 games, Payton II suffered another injury Tuesday night against Orlando Magic.
The Warriors went on to defeat the Magic 121-115 as Stephen Curry racked up 36 points. Though he started slow but finished 12-of-20 from the field. Jonathan Kuminga added 19 to the win.
Golden State is already missing the defensive prowess of Draymond Green because of suspension and the Warriors suffered a huge blow during the game as their key player, .
Gary Payton II heads to the locker room midmatch
The incident took place in the third quarter, as Payton was pressuring full court and saw a screen coming. He attempted to adjust but couldn’t maintain his balance and fell to the ground in pain, grabbing his hamstring.
Gary Payton II went to the locker room after getting shaken up on this play pic.twitter.com/Rkaji9hYeL
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 3, 2024
The Warriors called timeout and Payton was seen limping back to the locker room. Coach Steve Kerr did not share an update on Payton II’s condition postgame.
Warriors’ social media handle confirmed that Payton suffered a left hamstring strain.
Gary Payton II (Left hamstring strain) will not return to tonight’s game.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 3, 2024
Payton II also posted the following on his Twitter account:
— GPII (@Garydwayne) January 3, 2024
Gary Payton II going through a rough patch
Gary Payton II has toiled hard to stay on the floor the last couple of seasons and has played just 15 games this season, while just 22 all of last season. This came after an incredible 2021-22 campaign, in which Payton II appeared in 71 regular season games and 12 postseason games, cementing his position in the team.
Fans are hopeful that the injury is not too serious for Payton II as he has already missed a good chunk of time on the sidelines. The Warriors have relied on Payton but have missed him this season.
The Warriors are already having tough time with their combinations and rotations this year, having changed their lineups multiple times. Gary Payton II’s absence gives a chance to Moses Moody who has been out of the rotation lately.
We will have to wait and see how long Payton II is sidelined with the injury.
