In just his second game back from a right calf strain that sidelined him for 13 contests, Warriors guard Gary Payton II exited Golden State’s win over Orlando on Tuesday in the third quarter due to a strained left hamstring, writes Kendra Andrews of ESPN.com. He didn’t return to the game.
The injury occurred as Payton was defending Magic guard Cole Anthony while he brought the ball up the court. The Warriors guard fell awkwardly as he looked to avoid a screen set by Paolo Banchero (Video link via NBC Sports Bay Area).
Head coach Steve Kerr said after the game that he wasn’t sure yet about the severity of the injury and didn’t know how many games it might cost Payton. However, Anthony Slater of The Athletic says it’s “clear” the guard will miss another chunk of time.
“I feel bad for him, more than anything. I feel bad for us, too, but mainly for him,” Kerr said, per Andrews. “He makes such a big impact for us. So, fingers crossed that he’s not out for too long.”
Payton doesn’t provide much offensively for the Warriors, having scored double-digit points in just two of his 16 games so far this season. But he’s arguably the club’s strongest perimeter defender and is a key part of the rotation on the wing.
Golden State has a +5.3 net rating in Payton’s 261 minutes this season, compared to a -0.5 mark in the 1,338 minutes he hasn’t played.
“He’s such a big part of our team,” Warriors guard Chris Paul said. “People may not realize it, but his energy is consistent every day — every practice, every game. Him coming back has been huge for us. So I hope whatever it is isn’t going to take a long time. I think for him, it’s going to be about getting as healthy as possible.”
“He relieves so much pressure for us, as far as guarding,” Klay Thompson added. “I’m sure we’re going to miss him, but we just want to be healthy.”
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