Did Gary Payton II really keep vomit in his mouth for a whole possession vs. Warriors?

I will start this off, as you’d imagine from the headline, with a WARNING: This might be really gross to you. Proceed with caution.

OK, here we go.

Gary Payton II drew a start for the Golden State Warriors in Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers, when — in the middle of the game, with action on the Dubs’ defensive end of the floor — he appeared to dash off. Fans watching the playoff game were confused. Was it an injury? Something maybe that people think happened to Paul Pierce in a postseason game?

We don’t have an official answer here. But we do have video from a fan breaking it down like it’s the Zapruder film (again, you have been warned!):

Gary Payton Jr throws up on the floor but saves it all in his mouth. Talent. pic.twitter.com/DwYA0LqXwb

— Darren Hupke – Writes about retro games (@darrenhupke) May 9, 2023

Here’s a better shot of the vomit hitting the back of his teeth. The tenacity to keep the mouth shut. MVP. Most Valuable Puke. pic.twitter.com/BXOT3H72GW

— Darren Hupke – Writes about retro games (@darrenhupke) May 9, 2023

It’s coming back again. pic.twitter.com/N5HM8b5Fgf

— Darren Hupke – Writes about retro games (@darrenhupke) May 9, 2023

Ew.