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.
