Prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors welcomed the return of a trio of injured players. After missing time due to different injuries, Andre Iguodala, Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II during the playoffs were considered available in Game 1 against the Celtics on Thursday night.
Despite Iguodala and Porter Jr. getting minutes off the bench in Golden State’s Game 1 loss to Boston, Payton II didn’t enter the contest. Payton II suffered a fractured elbow in Game 2 of the second round against the Memphis Grizzlies after a hard foul from Dillon Brooks. Payton II hasn’t played since his elbow injury on May 3.
Before Game 2, Steve Kerr was asked about Payton II usage in Game 1 against the Celtics. Kerr explained he didn’t feel comfortable playing Payton II significant minutes yet, but the guard could be more available in Game 2 on Sunday.
Yeah, the other night, I would have put him in in special circumstances. Maybe a late-game stop. I didn’t feel comfortable playing him significant minutes yet. I thought and the training staff felt like he needed a little more time.
I anticipate that he will be available for more than that tomorrow because the last couple of days have gone pretty well and he’s feeling better.
Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:
Steve Kerr said Gary Payton II was only available for selective defensive possessions in Game 1. Trainers believed elbow needed more time. But Kerr said GP2 will be available for more usage, if needed, in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/GmXzPitrA9
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 4, 2022
If the Celtics heat up from beyond the arc similar to Game 1, Kerr could call on Payton II’s fierce defensive effort off the bench in Game 2 on Sunday. Both Iguodala and Payton II give Golden State a reliable defensive spark off the bench.
Prior to suffering his injury against the Grizzlies, Payton II averaged 6.1 points on 72.7% shooting from the floor with three rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 15.8 minutes per contest.
With the Celtics holding a 1-0 lead in the series, Game 2 is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT on Sunday at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
