Gary Payton II confirmed many internet sleuths’ worst fears.
The Golden State Warriors guard was the subject of an unusual viral video during Game 4 of the Warriors’ series against the Los Angeles Lakers. During one sequence in the first quarter, Payton didn’t run back with his teammates after a defensive stop. It then resulted in a turnover when Draymond Green threw the ball out of bounds to where Payton was supposed to be standing on offense.
Theories emerged from sharp-eyed internet users that Payton actually threw up in his mouth and thus had to suddenly exit the court.
Speaking after the Warriors’ win in Wednesday’s Game 5, Payton confirmed the theory.
“I had to throw up a little bit,” Payton admitted to reporters. “It reminded me of school, kinda. You gotta rally, so, get it out, rally again. I was fine after, so it was good.”
Here is the full clip.
Payton didn’t elaborate further on the issue that he was dealing with, but we do know that other Warriors, including big man Kevon Looney, have been battling unspecified illnesses during this series against the Lakers.
The defensive-minded Payton indeed put on a performance that qualified as a puke-and-rally. Inserted into the starting lineup in Game 4, Payton managed to finish with a season-high 15 points despite his ailment. Game 5 was another strong one for him too as Payton put up 13 points and six rebounds (this time in a Warriors win).
Payton also deserves major props for keeping his, er, slop contained there. Some other basketball players haven’t been quite so lucky on the court.
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