SAN FRANCISCO — Enjoying in simply his second recreation again after lacking a month with a proper calf damage, Gary Payton II was harm once more within the Warriors’ 121-115 win over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday at Chase Middle.
This time, it’s Payton’s left hamstring that pressured him out of the sport.
Payton was defending down low beneath the Orlando basket when he appeared to get harm. He grimaced and ripped off his headband then threw it into the group as he walked into the locker room.
“I really feel unhealthy for him greater than something,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated after the sport. “I really feel unhealthy for us, too, however primarily for him. Labored arduous to get again thus far. He makes such a huge impact for us.
“Fingers crossed that he’s not out too lengthy.”
Earlier than getting injured, Payton was a plus-10 with two factors and 4 rebounds. After the sport, he shared an ominous put up on social media. Payton’s teammate Chris Paul was hopeful the damage is not critical, and defined what the star defender means to the Warriors after Tuesday’s win.
“It’s powerful,” Paul stated. “He’s such an enormous a part of our workforce. Folks could not notice it however his power is constant, on daily basis, each apply, each recreation. Him coming again to our workforce has been big for us. I hope what it’s isn’t one thing that’s going to take a very long time. For him, it’s going to be about simply getting as wholesome as attainable.
“He’s a competitor, I understand how unhealthy he needs to play and the way arduous he’s been working to get again on the market. We’ll see what occurs however that’s unlucky for a man like GP who works as arduous as he does.”
Any prolonged absence shall be an enormous blow to the Warriors, who had been relying on Payton to inject life right into a protection that has had all kinds of issues this season.
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