Sunday’s contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves marked the highly-anticipated return of Gary Payton II to the Golden State Warriors.
After failing his physical following a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, Payton II has been out since early February as he’s continued to rehab from a right adductor injury.
Buy Warriors TicketsFor the first time in 20 games, Payton II suited up and returned to the court with the Warriors. Following a loud standing ovation from the crowd at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Payton II checked in with just under 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Payton II quickly returned to his signature form, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field to go along with one made 3-pointer. Payton II added two rebounds, a steal and a block in 15 minutes against the Timberwolves.
Watch all the highlights from Payton II’s performance from Sunday via YouTube:
As the Warriors continue to their final stretch of regular season games, Payton II will likely continue to be worked into Steve Kerr’s backcourt rotation.
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