<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-reveals-thoughts-on-gsw-return');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors’ Gary Payton II reveals thoughts on Golden State return');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gary-Payton-II-1.jpg"><figcaption>Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors’ Gary Payton II reveals thoughts on Golden State return</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-15T17:11:28-07:00">May 15th, 5:11pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-15T17:11:28-07:00">May 15th, 5:11pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/3-biggest-golden-state-warriors-offseason-questions-after-roller-coaster-season">Golden State Warriors facing another pivotal offseason</a>, Gary Payton II’s free agency looms as one of several key storylines. Payton, a 32-year-old defensive standout, has expressed his desire to continue his journey with the Golden State franchise, even as his minutes and production declined during the postseason.</p><p>Payton addressed his NBA <a href="https://x.com/NotoriousOHM/status/1923107560422338942" rel="noopener">future this week</a>, making it clear that a return to the Warriors remains his priority. The veteran guard, known for his elite defense, hinted that he hopes to stay with the team despite questions about his limited role and minutes during the postseason.</p><p>Payton spoke to ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk and said he hopes to continue his career with Golden State, as indicated in a post Youngmisuk put on X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>“Hopefully, I can run off a couple more years (with a new deal)… they know how I feel and take it (free agency) one day at a time,” Payton also reiterated his love for the Warriors adding, “I love playing here and for Steve Kerr.”</p><p>The quote reflects Payton’s clear <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-buddy-hield-drops-forever-declaration-on-golden-state-future">loyalty to Golden State</a> and his comfort within Kerr’s Warriors system. He carved out a niche as a reliable perimeter defender, often used to guard elite scorers during crunch time.</p><p>Despite his defensive value, questions persist about Payton’s offensive limitations and durability. During the Warriors’ brief playoff run, Payton logged just six minutes in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves and totaled only 13 points throughout the series. That limited impact could influence front-office decisions as Golden State con</p><p>His chemistry with stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green remains a selling point, but with an aging core and mounting salary concerns, Golden State might prioritize flexibility. Payton’s playoff usage dropped to just 16.4 minutes per game across 11 contests, with only one game in double digits.</p><p>Still, his efficient 57.4% shooting percentage and defensive IQ could make him a valuable depth option if the Dubs opt to re-sign him. Whether he returns or moves on, Payton’s free agency will be one to watch as the NBA offseason unfolds.</p><p> </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors’ Gary Payton II reveals thoughts on Golden State return

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-news-anthony-edwards-reacts-to-gary-payton-sonics-jersey-gift');   ga('set', 'title', 'Anthony Edwards reacts to Gary Payton Sonics jersey gift');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Anthony-Edwards-looking.jpg"><figcaption>David Gonzales-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Anthony Edwards reacts to Gary Payton Sonics jersey gift</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-14T15:05:01-07:00">May 14th, 3:05pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-14T15:05:16-07:00">May 14th, 3:05pm</time><address><a>Tomer Azarly</a>Tomer Azarly is in his ninth season as the LA Clippers beat writer and NBA reporter for ClutchPoints. From the Lob City era to the Kawhi Leonard-James Harden era, he brings you everything you need to know about the Clippers as well as coast-to-coast coverage of the NBA.In his free time, Tomer likes to play basketball, video games, and draw.You can follow his Twitter and Instagram for all Clippers content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Fresh off the Game 4 victory over the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards met an NBA legend and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-news-anthony-edwards-michael-jordan-lesson-trainer-hammers-home">shared a special moment</a> with Hall-of-Famer Gary Payton.</p><p>Payton, famously known as, “The Glove,” has been attending Warriors games over the last few years with his son, Gary Payton II, a key figure in the Golden State rotation.</p><h2><b>Anthony Edwards gifted Gary Payton Sonics jersey after Game 4</b></h2><p>Anthony Edwards <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/minnesota-timberwolves/timberwolves-news-anthony-edwards-challenge-too-much-for-steve-kerr-warriors">dominated Game 4</a> against the Warriors, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals while shooting 11-of-21 from the field and knocking down six three-pointers. His running mate, Julius Randle, also poured in a game-high 31 points on 11-of-21 shooting with four made threes.</p><p>After the Timberwolves’ 117-110 victory, Edwards walked back to the locker room, but not before making a quick stop behind the courtside seats along the sideline nearest the Wolves’ tunnel. It was there that <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1922159633755521072">Edwards embraced</a> former Seattle SuperSonics legend Gary Payton and shared a few words with him. Edwards also left with a little gift, handed to him by Payton himself.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ant walked off the court to some MVP chants and greeted Gary Payton Sr.</p><p>Appeared Payton gave him a jersey <a href="https://t.co/jz60ouUcB1">pic.twitter.com/jz60ouUcB1</a></p><p>— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1922159633755521072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>It turned out to be a Payton Sonics jersey, signed by the man himself. Edwards brought the jersey with him to his postgame press conference and spoke about the moment.</p><p>“He didn’t really come up to me, I came up to him,” <a href="https://x.com/NBAUK/status/1922222790587121897">Anthony Edwards said</a> of his exchange with Gary Payton. “I don’t think he’s the type of guy to go up to nobody and give anybody props anyways. I went up to him because, of course, I hear all the stuff about him, watch film on him, and he was really like that. I told him I’m a big fan and I love the way you guard. Even offensively, he had a lot of game. His son kind of play defense similar to him, super handsy, physical, so big shout out to him.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ant and the Glove🐜🧤</p><p>Gary Payton gave Anthony Edwards a jersey after Game 4! 🤝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a> <a href="https://t.co/KyW9Np8DhN">pic.twitter.com/KyW9Np8DhN</a></p><p>— NBA UK (@NBAUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAUK/status/1922222790587121897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Timberwolves return home and will host the Golden State Warriors in a Game 5 that could decide the series if Minnesota wins.</p><p>For the series, Anthony Edwards is averaging 27.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Anthony Edwards reacts to Gary Payton Sonics jersey gift

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-ii-in-middle-of-jimmy-butler-buddy-hield-bickering');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors’ Gary Payton II finds himself in middle of Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield ‘bickering’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gary-Payton-II-0-before-game-three-of-first-round-for-the-2025-NBA-Playoffs.jpg"><figcaption>© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors’ Gary Payton II finds himself in middle of Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield ‘bickering’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-07T11:41:13-07:00">May 7th, 11:41am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-07T11:41:13-07:00">May 7th, 11:41am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-what-stephen-curry-feels-about-hamstring-injury">Golden State Warriors’ 99-88 Game 1 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves</a> in the Western Conference Semifinals, the spotlight briefly shifted from the court to the press room, where Jimmy Butler III and Buddy Hield delivered a <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1919989053027398019" rel="noopener">comedic exchange</a> — all sparked by a comment from Gary Payton II.</p><p>During their postgame press conference, a reporter informed Butler and Hield that Payton had compared them to “two bickering brothers.” Hield didn’t hesitate to respond.</p><p>“And what Gary is? The clumsy one. Always doing the dumbest stuff ever,” Hield said, drawing laughs.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reporter: Gary compared you two to bickering brothers.</p><p>Buddy Hield: “And what Gary is? The clumsy one. Always doing the dumbest stuff ever.”</p><p>Jimmy Butler: “You literally wore the wrong shorts. The audacity.” 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/AEvCdUDp43">pic.twitter.com/AEvCdUDp43</a></p><p>— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1920001198075093365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>Butler, quick to keep the exchange going, brought up Hield’s earlier mistake before tip-off.</p><p>“You literally wore the wrong shorts. The audacity,” Butler replied, laughing.</p><p>The Warriors’ win gave them a 1-0 series lead, but Stephen Curry’s early exit due to a hamstring injury loomed over the victory. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/sources-stephen-curry-hamstring-injury-timetable-warriors-nba-playoffs">Curry was later diagnosed with a low-grade left hamstring strain</a> and has been ruled out for Game 2. The team announced he will be re-evaluated in one week, with the expectation that he could miss multiple games in the series.</p><h2><b>Gary Payton II’s jab draws jokes from Buddy Hield and Jimmy Butler in Warriors’ postgame moment</b></h2><p>With Curry sidelined, the spotlight shifted to other members of the roster. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-draymond-green-assigns-new-batman-names-buddy-hield-doesnt-agree-with">Hield led Golden State in scoring with 24 points, while Butler contributed 20 points</a>, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 41 minutes. Payton II played a key role off the bench, adding eight points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal across 26 minutes.</p><p>Butler, who arrived from the Miami Heat at the trade deadline, was asked about his seamless integration with the team. Before he could answer, Hield stepped in.</p><p>“We had to make sure he got his joy back,” Hield said, making air quotes. “Because he somehow lost his joy.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Buddy Hield: “We had to make sure he got his joy back. Because (motions air quotes) he somehow lost his joy.”</p><p>Jimmy Butler: “Why do you keep doing this? Do you even know what these are called? What are they called.”</p><p>Buddy Hield: “Two fingers.” 💀🤣 <a href="https://t.co/S5ppjRDnrx">pic.twitter.com/S5ppjRDnrx</a></p><p>— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) <a href="https://twitter.com/957thegame/status/1919999368138228109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><p>The remark was a tongue-in-cheek reference to Butler’s departure from Miami, widely viewed as the result of mounting tension with the Heat organization. Butler, staying in character, fired back.</p><p>“Why do you keep doing this?” Butler asked. “Do you even know what these are called? What are they called?”</p><p>“Two fingers,” Hield replied, triggering another round of laughter.</p><p>While Payton was not present during the exchange, his offhand comparison clearly struck a chord. The light-hearted banter highlighted the team’s close-knit chemistry, which has been a driving force behind its playoff success despite adversity.</p><p>The Warriors will look to build on their momentum in Game 2, which is scheduled for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET at Target Center, airing on TNT. With Curry sidelined, the team’s depth — and perhaps more playful locker room energy — will be put to the test once again.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors’ Gary Payton II finds himself in middle of Jimmy Butler, Buddy Hield ‘bickering’

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-dubs-gets-last-minute-injury-update-on-gary-payton-ii-for-game-1-vs-timberwolves');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors get last minute injury update on Gary Payton II for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_1475.jpeg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors get last minute injury update on Gary Payton II for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-06T17:51:02-07:00">May 6th, 5:51pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-06T18:24:03-07:00">May 6th, 6:24pm</time><address><a>Tomer Azarly</a>Tomer Azarly is in his ninth season as the LA Clippers beat writer and NBA reporter for ClutchPoints. From the Lob City era to the Kawhi Leonard-James Harden era, he brings you everything you need to know about the Clippers as well as coast-to-coast coverage of the NBA.In his free time, Tomer likes to play basketball, video games, and draw.You can follow his Twitter and Instagram for all Clippers content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on deck, the Golden State Warriors could use as many of their defenders as possible. That’s why <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-iis-status-up-in-the-air-for-game-1-vs-timberwolves">the latest news</a> surrounding Gary Payton II is huge.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-draymond-green-sums-up-stephen-curry-game-7">Payton II missed the Warriors’ last game</a> against the Houston Rockets due to an illness that had him, “sick as a dog,” according to head coach Steve Kerr.</p><h2><b>Warriors get last minute injury update on Gary Payton II for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves</b></h2><p>Gary Payton II played in six of the Warriors first round games before missing Game 7 against the Rockets because of illness. According to Kerr, Payton II was unable to eat anything and there was, “no way he can play,” in the game.</p><p>However, it appears as though Payton II’s absence will last just one game, as the Warriors guard has been upgraded and appears poised to return to the court for Golden State in Game 1 against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.</p><p>According to Danny Emerman of the San Francisco Standard, <a href="https://x.com/DannyEmerman/status/1919905453330329680" rel="noopener">the Warriors are expecting Payton</a> to return and be available despite dealing with the illness and, apparently, inflammation in his left elbow.</p><p>The Warriors were able to hold off the Rockets without Payton II playing in the final game thanks to a historic Game 7 performance by guard Buddy Hield, who had a game-high 33 points and nine three-pointers.</p><p>Gary Payton II ended up playing six games and 16 minutes a night in the first round series, averaging 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals while shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three.</p><p>During a video conference call with select members of the media on Monday afternoon, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that the team had yet to make a determination on the status of Gary Payton II because of the severity of his illness at the time. There was no mention of any left elbow inflammation, which must’ve flared up on Tuesday morning, but not enough to hold him out of Game 1.</p><p>“Yeah, we’ll see,” Kerr said. “He was on the flight, but he wore a mask and he sat in the back away from the rest of the players. We don’t know yet about his status for tomorrow.”</p><p>In 62 appearances this season, Gary Payton II averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 57.4 percent from the field.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors get last minute injury update on Gary Payton II for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/is-gary-payton-ii-playing-tonight-warriors-timberwolves-injury-report');   ga('set', 'title', 'Is Gary Payton II playing tonight? Warriors vs. Timberwolves injury report');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gary-Payton-II.jpg"></figure><h1>Is Gary Payton II playing tonight? Warriors vs. Timberwolves injury report</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-06T06:35:48-07:00">May 6th, 6:35am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-06T06:40:13-07:00">May 6th, 6:40am</time><address><a>Erik Slater</a>Erik Slater is the credentialed Brooklyn Nets beat reporter for ClutchPoints. He's a graduate of Lehigh University and the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, as well as a Lehigh Football and Syracuse Football alum.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/betting/warriors-vs-timberwolves-game-1-prediction-odds-pick-spread-for-nba-playoffs-2025">Golden State Warriors will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves</a> on Tuesday for Game 1 of their second-round series. Gary Payton II <a href="https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-05-06_08AM.pdf" rel="noopener">is questionable on the team’s injury report</a> due to an illness.</p><p>Here’s everything we know about Payton’s playing status vs the Timberwolves.</p><h2>Gary Payton II injury status vs. Timberwolves</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gary-P.jpg"><figcaption>Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-ii-out-game-7-vs-rockets-illness">Payton missed the Warriors’ Game 7 win</a> over the Houston Rockets on Sunday due to his illness. Head coach Steve Kerr said the shooting guard <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44999768/warriors-gary-payton-ii-game-7-due-illness" rel="noopener">was not in consideration</a> to suit up for the win-or-go-home matchup.</p><p>“He’s just sick as a dog,” Kerr told the Associated Press. “Woke up ill and didn’t go to shootaround. Hasn’t eaten. No way [he] can play. So it’s a big blow.”</p><p>Another questionable tag indicates Payton is still experiencing symptoms but will have a chance to suit up vs. the Timberwolves.</p><p>Payton posted modest offensive numbers against the Rockets, averaging 6.3 points and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 50 percent from the field on 5.0 attempts per game and 40 percent from three on 2.0 attempts per game. However, his defensive impact on the perimeter <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-told-son-game-3-rockets">has proven critical for Golden State</a>.</p><p>With Payton sidelined for Game 7, Jonathan Kuminga was re-inserted into the Warriors’ rotation. However, he struggled to make an impact, going scoreless on 0-of-4 shooting with one rebound in 11 minutes off the bench.</p><p>The Warriors will need all hands on deck if they hope to slow down the Timberwolves’ offensive attack led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. Minnesota holds the NBA’s third-best offensive rating (116.7) in the playoffs.</p><p>During his team’s first-round win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Edwards averaged 26.8 points and 6.2 assists on 42/33/77 shooting splits. If Payton cannot play on Tuesday, the Warriors will have Jimmy Butler and Brandin Podziemski as primary options to throw at Edwards defensively.</p><p>Randle had one of the better playoff series of his career vs. the Lakers, averaging 22.6 points and 4.4 assists on 48/39/84 shooting splits. Draymond Green is likely to draw the assignment against the bruising Timberwolves forward.</p><p>So, regarding whether Gary Payton II is playing tonight vs. Minnesota, a questionable tag indicates he’s in serious jeopardy of missing his second consecutive playoff game. However, his status will gain clarity closer to the game’s 9:30 PM EST tipoff.</p><h2><b>Warriors injury report</b></h2><p>Stephen Curry: Available – Injury/Illness – Right Thumb; Splint</p><p>Gary Payton II: Questionable – Injury/Illness – N/A; Illness</p><h2><b>Timberwolves injury report</b></h2><p>Rob Dillingham: Out – Injury/Illness – Right Ankle; Sprain</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Is Gary Payton II playing tonight? Warriors vs. Timberwolves injury report

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-iis-status-up-in-the-air-for-game-1-vs-timberwolves');   ga('set', 'title', 'Gary Payton II’s status up in the air for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gary-Payton-II-Stephen-Curry-Anthony-Edwards-Minnesota-Timberwolves-Golden-State-Warriors.jpg"></figure><h1>Gary Payton II’s status up in the air for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-05T17:31:12-07:00">May 5th, 5:31pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-05T17:34:46-07:00">May 5th, 5:34pm</time><address><a>Tomer Azarly</a>Tomer Azarly is in his ninth season as the LA Clippers beat writer and NBA reporter for ClutchPoints. From the Lob City era to the Kawhi Leonard-James Harden era, he brings you everything you need to know about the Clippers as well as coast-to-coast coverage of the NBA.In his free time, Tomer likes to play basketball, video games, and draw.You can follow his Twitter and Instagram for all Clippers content.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As the Golden State Warriors prepare for their second round matchup against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, there are still question marks surrounding the availability of Gary Payton II.</p><p>The Warriors guard didn’t play in Game 7 against the Houston Rockets on Sunday evening due to an illness.</p><h2><b>Gary Payton II’s status up in the air for Game 1 of Warriors-Timberwolves</b></h2><p>Warriors guard <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1919165720920768748">Gary Payton II missed Sunday’s Game 7 win</a> over the Rockets due to an illness. According to head coach Steve Kerr, Payton II was unable to eat anything heading into the game, was, “sick as a dog,” and there was “no way he can play.”</p><p>The Warriors were able to beat Houston without Payton II playing in the final game. The guard played six games in the first round, averaging 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from three in 16 minutes per game.</p><p>During a video conference media availability on Monday evening at the team’s hotel, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said that the team has yet to make a determination on the status of Gary Payton II.</p><p>“Yeah, we’ll see,” Kerr told the group. “He was on the flight, but he wore a mask and he sat in the back away from the rest of the players. We don’t know yet about his status for tomorrow.”</p><p>On Monday evening, the Warriors officially released their injury report, which listed Gary Payton II as questionable with an illness.</p><p>Stephen Curry, who has been dealing with a right thumb injury, was listed on the injury report Monday, but was deemed “Available” for Game 1. </p><p>Meanwhile, rookie Rob Dillingham is the only player on the Game 1 injury report for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night. Dillingham is listed as “Out” due to a right ankle sprain.</p><p>In 62 appearances this season, Gary Payton II averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and0.8 steals per game while shooting 57.4 percent from the field.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Gary Payton II’s status up in the air for Game 1 vs. Timberwolves

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-ii-out-game-7-vs-rockets-illness');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors’ Gary Payton II out for Game 7 vs. Rockets with illness');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Gary-Payton-II-ruled-out-for-Warriors-Game-7.jpg"><figcaption>© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors’ Gary Payton II out for Game 7 vs. Rockets with illness</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-05-04T14:43:45-07:00">May 4th, 2:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-05-04T14:53:57-07:00">May 4th, 2:53pm</time><address><a href="https://haydencilley.wixsite.com/hayden-cilley-s-port">Hayden Cilley</a>Hayden Cilley joined ClutchPoints in August 2024 as a Phoenix Suns and Mercury reporter, as well as an Associate Editor. Hayden graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. He recently covered the Phoenix Mercury for The Next Hoops and PHNX Sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>One of the top pieces of the Golden State Warriors’ rotation will be out against the Houston Rockets on Sunday, as Gary Payton II <a href="https://x.com/brettsiegelnba/status/1919143111445385696?s=46&amp;t=vnLDgTn4yNZudl1UzUUjJA" rel="noopener">isn’t playing</a> due to an illness, according to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel.</p><p>This isn’t the first time the team has had a sickness go around. Recently, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-brandin-podziemski-injury-report-game-2-rockets">Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski battled a sickness</a> during the series.</p><p>Unfortunately, it hit one of the crucial pieces of the team at the worst time. After the Rockets had a convincing Game 6 win, they’re hoping to have more momentum on their home floor.</p><p>With Payton II being ruled out, it might add more fuel to the fire.</p><p>Simultaneously, it might force Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler to take over. Either way, this Game 7 will be energetic and full of tension, as the series has been every game.</p><p>Confrontations have transpired every game. However, glue guys like Payton II have often been the deciding factor. Funny enough, Rockets center Steven Adams has been a major proponent for Houston’s success this series.</p><p>The superstars are doing their thing, but the depth pieces have been keeping their respective teams in the game.</p><h2><b>Warriors face major blow with Gary Payton II’s illness</b></h2><p>As mentioned earlier, the two Golden State stars will have to carry the burden for them to win. It makes Houston’s life easier, as the Warriors will lose a premier defender.</p><p>After all, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-told-son-game-3-rockets">Payton II had a heroic effort in the Warriors’ Game 3 win</a>. He’s much more to his team than simply a glue guy.</p><p>He can take over a game in his own way. Rebounding, hounding defense, and shot-making can take the pressure off.</p><p>However, this is a Game 7. Everyone will bring their A game, no matter the circumstances. The Warriors might feel sorry for Payton II but at this stage of the game, it is a next-man up mentality.</p><p>Payton II would even think the same thing.</p><p>Still, there could be a big “what if” regarding Payton II and how Golden State plays. If they lose to Houston, the question will be raised about “<a href="https://motorcyclesports.net/warriors-face-do-or-die-showdown-against-rockets-with-gary-payton-iis-availability-hanging-by-a-thread/" rel="noopener">what if he was playing</a>?”</p><p>If not, then it will be business as usual for the team.</p><p>With the game set to tip off in just over two hours, the game plan could look vastly different than what was expected. One thing is for certain, though: both teams will do whatever is necessary to win.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors’ Gary Payton II out for Game 7 vs. Rockets with illness

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-told-son-game-3-rockets');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors news: What Gary Payton told son during, after heroic Game 3 effort vs. Rockets');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/IMG_1475.jpeg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors news: What Gary Payton told son during, after heroic Game 3 effort vs. Rockets</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-28T19:02:37-07:00">April 28th, 7:02pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-28T19:05:04-07:00">April 28th, 7:05pm</time><address><a>David Yapkowitz</a>David Yapkowitz is an NBA Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a credentialed reporter based in Los Angeles who covers the NBA/WNBA, NCAA/NCAAW and boys/girls high school basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Golden State Warriors took a 2-1 series lead in their opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets following <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/editorials/jimmy-butler-injury-buddy-hield-gary-payton-ii-warriors-rockets-game-3">their 104-93 win in Game 3</a>. A key factor in the Warriors Game 3 win was the play of Gary Payton II. Payton didn’t play so well during the first two games in Houston, and it was little help from his father, Gary Payton Sr., that helped with his Game 3 turnaround.</p><p>Gary Payton II made his presence felt during the Warriors’ Game 3 win against the Rockets. He finished with 16 points and three rebounds in 21 minutes off the bench. He shot 7-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from the three-point line. And he got a <a href="https://andscape.com/features/golden-state-warriors-guard-gary-payton-ii-changes-game-3-vs-rockets-to-dads-delight/" rel="noopener">little pep talk</a> of sorts from Gary Sr., as per Marc J. Spears of ESPN’s Andscape.</p><p>“He came in and was tough with [the Rockets],” said Gary Sr. “When he turned down two shots, I got up and said, ‘Hey shoot the ball.’ And when he started shooting the ball, he hits it. When he is wide open he’s going to knock it down. He can get a lot of easy baskets. I tell him, ‘You got to make these guys play you, man.’ If you don’t go and punish them for doing what they do, it’s not going to work. But he went out there and punished them.”</p><p>During the Warriors’ first two games of the series, Payton took a combined nine shots, six in Game 1 and three in Game 2. In Game 3, he took nine shots total. Payton is a key player for the Warriors and will need to continue to have a big series for them to advance past the Rockets.</p><p>In the regular season, Payton appeared in 62 games for the Warriors, including 11 starts, at just about 15 minutes per game. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists with splits of 57.4 percent shooting from the field, 32.6 percent shooting from the three-point line and 71.1 percent shooting from the free-throw line.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-stephen-curry-speaks-out-on-gary-payton-iis-key-role-vs-celtics">Payton played a key role</a> during the Warriors’ 2022 championship run, returning from an injury earlier in the playoffs to provide a major impact against the Boston Celtics. He’s been one of the Warriors’ best defensive players too.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors news: What Gary Payton told son during, after heroic Game 3 effort vs. Rockets

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-ii-goes-undercover-team-store-employee');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors’ Gary Payton II goes undercover as team store employee');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Apr-15-2025-San-Francisco-California-USA-Golden-State-Warriors-guard-Gary-Payton-II-0-saves-the-ball-from-going-out-of-bounds-against-the-Memphis-Grizzlies-in-the-fourth-quarter-a.jpg"><figcaption>Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors’ Gary Payton II goes undercover as team store employee</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-18T20:43:16-07:00">April 18th, 8:43pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-18T20:43:16-07:00">April 18th, 8:43pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Gary Payton II decided to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/warriors-news-draymond-green-ryan-coogler-movie-sinners-review">have some fun with Golden State Warriors</a> fans by going undercover.</p><p>The Warriors posted a video on social media that lasted for six and a half minutes featuring Payton II on Friday. Throughout the video, he <a href="https://x.com/warriors/status/1913247627682234488" rel="noopener">wore a disguise</a> as a team store employee, hiding himself from fans who might recognize him.</p><p>He had humorous interactions with the Warriors fanbase, providing them team merchandise while doing his best to not give himself away so fans could catch on to what he was doing.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">“It’s my first day here.”</p><p>Gary Payton II, the <a href="https://twitter.com/warriorsshop?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@warriorsshop</a> employee? You bet.<a href="https://twitter.com/Fanatics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Fanatics</a> || Undercover Player <a href="https://t.co/9xnLOHYU5z">pic.twitter.com/9xnLOHYU5z</a></p><p>— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) <a href="https://twitter.com/warriors/status/1913247627682234488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>What lies ahead for Gary Payton II, Warriors</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Apr-15-2025-San-Francisco-California-USA-Memphis-Grizzlies-guard-Ja-Morant-12-dribbles-the-ball-next-to-Golden-State-Warriors-guard-Gary-Payton-II-0-in-the-second-quarter-at-the.jpg"><figcaption>Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It was a hilarious moment for Gary Payton II to have with Warriors fans before they gear up for a huge first-round series in the NBA Playoffs.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/warriors-news-draymond-green-embraces-underdog-role-clash-rockets">Warriors boast a high-level veteran star core</a> with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green leading the way. Despite being in their mid-to-late 30s, the trio have shown they can still provide remarkable production on both sides of the ball as they look to lead the squad with a successful postseason run.</p><p>They also have several role players who will provide significant contributions throughout their playoff journey. Payton II, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Kevon Looney, and Quinten Post are among those who may have important performances throughout certain games.</p><p>Golden State finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, securing the seventh seed after beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday. They return to the playoffs after missing it the year prior, looking to make their first deep run since their 2022 championship.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/editorials/warriors-vs-rockets-game-1-prediction-odds-pick-spread-for-nba-playoffs-2025">Warriors will prepare for their first-round series</a> against the Houston Rockets. Game 1 will take place on April 20 at 9:30 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors’ Gary Payton II goes undercover as team store employee

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-gary-payton-ii-gets-optimistic-thumb-injury-update');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors’ Gary Payton II gets optimistic thumb injury update');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Warriors-Gary-Payton-II-hand-injury.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Warriors’ Gary Payton II gets optimistic thumb injury update</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-04-03T11:37:54-07:00">April 3rd, 11:37am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-04-03T11:57:54-07:00">April 3rd, 11:57am</time><address><a>Brett Siegel</a>Brett Siegel joined ClutchPoints as a credentialed NBA insider and reporter in May 2023 after previously covering the NBA for Fastbreak on FanNation and NBA Analysis Network, as well as working with Louisville Basketball. From playing to coaching to covering the game as a media member, Brett has been involved with the game of basketball from many different perspectives. Breaking the news of various free agent signings, yearly NBA Draft news and other key stories around the league, Brett is always on the phone, getting the latest news and rumors around the NBA. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @BrettSiegelNBA.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Gary Payton II has not played for the Golden State Warriors since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/sources-gary-payton-ii-out-indefinitely-brutal-thumb-injury">suffering a torn ligament</a> in his left thumb on Mar. 25 against the Miami Heat. Although the Warriors have won three straight games without Payton, he is essential to their success down the stretch run of the season and into the playoffs.</p><p>The good news surrounding Payton is that he has been <a href="https://x.com/WarriorsPR/status/1907862430337872274" rel="noopener">making great progress</a> behind the scenes and could be ready to return in a matter of days.</p><p>Payton was recently re-evaluated for his thumb injury and has progressed to doing light individual work, league sources told ClutchPoints. The Warriors announced on Thursday that he is considered day-to-day, but will miss their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.</p><p>There is hope that Payton will be available to play in either Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets or Sunday against the Houston Rockets, sources said.</p><p>Since the start of March, Payton has been an essential part of Steve Kerr’s nightly rotations. In the 11 games he played before his injury, Payton averaged 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 64.3 percent from the floor and 46.4 percent from three-point range. He played over 20 minutes in eight of these games.</p><p>Without Payton in the rotation, the Warriors have received key contributions from Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, and Moses Moody.</p><p>Whether in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, Payton has asserted himself as one of the main driving forces behind the Warriors’ success. He ranks sixth on the team in scoring and has one of the <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced?DateFrom=03/01/2025&amp;DateTo=03/27/2025&amp;TeamID=1610612744&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=NET_RATING" rel="noopener">highest net ratings</a> (min. 10 games played) since the start of March. Defensively, Payton has often been tasked with guarding the opposition’s best player.</p><p>While he is only listed at 6’2″, Payton plays well above his height. As a result, Kerr and the Warriors utilize him in different ways, sometimes even having him be their small-ball center when Draymond Green or others are out of the game.</p><p>The Warriors will be in Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Thursday night in a pivotal <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/lakers-warriors-stakes-showdown-western-conference-playoff-picture">Western Conference battle that will hold a lot of influence</a> on how the playoff picture shapes up.</p><p>After winning 134-125 against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, a game in which <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-stephen-curry-reacts-passing-jerry-west-52-point-night">Stephen Curry scored 52 points with 12 made threes</a>, Golden State is now 44-31 overall. This win allowed the Warriors to gain control of the West’s 5-seed, just two full games behind the Lakers and Nuggets in the standings.</p><p>If the Warriors can win their fourth straight game on Thursday night in Los Angeles, they will inch closer to potentially earning home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. A loss to the Lakers puts them in a momentary four-way tie with the Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Clippers, and Grizzlies in the standings.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Warriors’ Gary Payton II gets optimistic thumb injury update

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-why-steve-kerr-counting-jonathan-kuminga-without-gary-payton-ii');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Warriors’ Steve Kerr is counting on Jonathan Kuminga without Gary Payton II');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Why-Steve-Kerr-is-counting-on-Jonathan-Kuminga-without-Gary-Payton-II.jpg"></figure><h1>Why Warriors’ Steve Kerr is counting on Jonathan Kuminga without Gary Payton II</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-27T16:25:06-07:00">March 27th, 4:25pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-27T16:54:30-07:00">March 27th, 4:54pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Steve Kerr is placing a lot of focus on Jonathan Kuminga in the Golden State <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/sources-gary-payton-ii-out-indefinitely-brutal-thumb-injury">Warriors’ rotation following a significant injury to Gary Payton II</a>.</p><p>Payton II suffered a torn ligament in his thumb, which will sideline him indefinitely. His defense has been crucial to the Warriors’ success in the second half of the season, meaning another player will need to step up in his place.</p><p>Which is why Kerr named Kuminga as the <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1905368183453659456" rel="noopener">next man up in terms of being a defensive stopper</a>. He explained his reasoning to that decision to <i>The Athletic</i>‘s Anthony Slater.</p><p>“It opens up an opportunity for (Jonathan Kuminga) to be that defensive stopper, the guy we’ve relied on Gary to be,” Kerr said.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Kerr on the Payton absence: “It opens up an opportunity for (Jonathan Kuminga) to be that defensive stopper, the guy we’ve relied on Gary to be.” <a href="https://t.co/nmv26OALhI">pic.twitter.com/nmv26OALhI</a></p><p>— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) <a href="https://twitter.com/anthonyVslater/status/1905368183453659456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>What’s next for Steve Kerr, Warriors</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Why-Steve-Kerr-is-counting-on-Jonathan-Kuminga-without-GP-II.jpg"><figcaption>D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Losing Gary Payton II will be a tough loss in the Warriors’ backcourt, meaning the frontcourt will have more responsibility with Steve Kerr <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-steve-kerr-jonathan-kuminga-potential-role-jimmy-butler">relying on Jonathan Kuminga</a> as the next guy up.</p><p>Kuminga has missed a chunk of the season due to injury. In the 39 appearances he made so far, he is averaging 16.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Since returning from a 30-game absence, he is putting up 14 points, three rebounds and 2.7 assists.</p><p>Golden State has a 41-31 record on the season, holding the seventh spot of the Western Conference standings. They are even with the Los Angeles Clippers while being three games behind the Memphis Grizzlies, competing for an automatic playoff spot.</p><p>The Warriors will prepare for their next matchup, being on the road. They face the New Orleans Pelicans on March 28 at 8 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Warriors’ Steve Kerr is counting on Jonathan Kuminga without Gary Payton II

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/sources-gary-payton-ii-out-indefinitely-brutal-thumb-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'Sources: Warriors’ Gary Payton II out indefinitely with brutal thumb injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Golden-State-dealt-Gary-Payton-II-injury-blow_5363ac.jpg"></figure><h1>Sources: Warriors’ Gary Payton II out indefinitely with brutal thumb injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-27T10:30:50-07:00">March 27th, 10:30am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-27T13:43:05-07:00">March 27th, 1:43pm</time><address><a>Brett Siegel</a>Brett Siegel joined ClutchPoints as a credentialed NBA insider and reporter in May 2023 after previously covering the NBA for Fastbreak on FanNation and NBA Analysis Network, as well as working with Louisville Basketball. From playing to coaching to covering the game as a media member, Brett has been involved with the game of basketball from many different perspectives. Breaking the news of various free agent signings, yearly NBA Draft news and other key stories around the league, Brett is always on the phone, getting the latest news and rumors around the NBA. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @BrettSiegelNBA.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Golden State Warriors swingman Gary Payton II is <a href="https://x.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1905308226830188637" rel="noopener">out indefinitely</a> after being diagnosed with a torn left thumb ligament, league sources told ClutchPoints on Thursday afternoon. Payton sustained the injury in the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-draymond-green-stern-reminder-dubs-loss-heat">team’s 112-86 loss to the Miami Heat</a> on Tuesday.</p><p>Although no clear timetable has been presented, the Warriors announced Thursday afternoon that Payton will be re-evaluated in one week. He will continue to undergo evaluations and his potential return will be based on pain tolerance, sources said.</p><p>Since the start of March, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-ii-career-high-stephen-curry-bench">Payton has been an essential part of Steve Kerr’s nightly rotations</a>. Over his last 11 games, Payton has averaged 11.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 64.3 percent from the floor and 46.4 percent from three-point range. He has also seen over 20 minutes in eight of his last 11 games.</p><p>This is a significant blow to the Warriors’ rotation, especially with the regular season nearing its end and the team battling for playoff position in the Western Conference standings.</p><p>After winning 16 out of 19 games, Golden State has lost two straight games on the road to the Atlanta Hawks and Heat. It is worth noting that Stephen Curry was unavailable for both of these losses, as <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-stephen-curry-mri-no-structural-damage-injury-scare">he is recovering from a pelvic contusion</a> he suffered in the team’s last win against the Toronto Raptors on Mar. 20.</p><p>The Warriors are optimistic that Curry will be ready to return on Friday on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans.</p><p>These back-to-back losses have resulted in the Dubs moving to 41-31, and they are now tied with the LA Clippers for the sixth-best record in the conference. The Clippers defeated the Warriors in all three matchups this season, giving them the season tiebreaker and momentarily pushing Golden State into the play-in region of the standings with 10 games remaining.</p><p>Payton has endured several injuries throughout the 2024-25 season, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-jr-breaks-silence-injury-suffered-incident-lamelo-ball">recently suffering a non-displaced nasal fracture</a> that has resulted in the 32-year-old wearing a face mask over his last nine games.</p><p>Whether in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, Payton has asserted himself as one of the main driving forces behind the Warriors’ success. He ranks fifth on the team in scoring and has the <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/players/advanced?DateFrom=03/01/2025&amp;DateTo=03/27/2025&amp;TeamID=1610612744&amp;dir=A&amp;sort=NET_RATING" rel="noopener">highest net rating</a> (min. 10 games played) since the start of March. Defensively, Payton has often been tasked with guarding the opposition’s best player.</p><p>While he is only listed at 6’2″, Payton plays well above his height. As a result, Kerr and the Warriors utilize him in in different ways, sometimes even having him be their small-ball center when Draymond Green or others are out of the game. His offensive rebounding and ability to create second-chance scoring opportunities make the Warriors’ offense more deadly than it already is with Curry.</p><p>There is real concern that Gary Payton II will miss the remaining 10 games on Golden State’s schedule due to this thumb injury. Further updates will be provided by the Warriors at a later time.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Sources: Warriors’ Gary Payton II out indefinitely with brutal thumb injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/is-gary-payton-ii-playing-tonight-warriors-hawks-injury-report');   ga('set', 'title', 'Is Gary Payton II playing tonight? Warriors vs. Hawks injury report');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Is-Gary-Payton-II-playing-tonight-Warriors-vs.-Hawks-injury-report.jpg"></figure><h1>Is Gary Payton II playing tonight? Warriors vs. Hawks injury report</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-22T11:29:42-07:00">March 22nd, 11:29am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-22T11:29:42-07:00">March 22nd, 11:29am</time><address><a>Zachary Draves</a>Zachary Draves is a sportswriter and broadcaster based in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. Zachary covers a variety of different sports as well as sports history, sport and society, and sport and culture. He is also a professor of sociology.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors">Golden State Warriors</a> will play the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Their rotation shooting guard <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-why-gary-payton-ii-isnt-playing-vs-raptors">Gary Payton II is dealing</a> with <a href="https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-03-22_10AM.pdf" rel="noopener">inflammation in his left knee</a> that has forced him to miss their win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. Payton, who has played 56 games this season, is known for making tough shots and being an effective defender off the bench for the Warriors.</p><p>Despite missing Payton, Golden State has continued to be on a roll as of late, as they are currently 41-29 this season, which is good for sixth place in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors are showing themselves to be a viable playoff contender in the West, even though they sport an aging roster.</p><p>Here is everything you need to know about Payton’s injury status for the Dubs ahead of their upcoming game.</p><h2><b>Gary Payton II injury status against Hawks</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Gary-Payton-II-tries-to-get-the-loose-ball-e1737995777389.jpg"><figcaption>Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Payton is listed as questionable for the Warriors upcoming contest against the Hawks. The Hawks (33-36) are trying to get back into the postseason hunt themselves and will be without one of their own key pieces, center Clint Capela, due to family reasons.</p><p>Payton was seen hobbled on the floor during the March 17 game against the Denver Nuggets, and while he finished the game and played the next night against the Milwaukee Bucks, the team opted to give him a rest against the Raptors.</p><p>Earlier this month, Payton scored a career-high 26 points on March 10 against his former team, the Portland Trail Blazers. Through 56 games this season, Payton is averaging 6.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting 57.8% from the floor.</p><p>Payton has been a catalyst for the Warriors, who are vying to remain a playoff contender in the West. The problem is that Payton has a history of injuries. Just this season alone, he has dealt with injuries to his calf, thigh, and nose, the latter of which forced him to play while wearing a mask over his face.</p><p>Considering what Payton brings off the bench, it is best for the Warriors to keep a watchful eye on him given his injury history. They will need him healthy as they try to continue to be a consistent playoff presence. As for his status for this clash with the Hawks, Payton’s status is up in the air for the time being.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Is Gary Payton II playing tonight? Warriors vs. Hawks injury report

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-why-gary-payton-ii-isnt-playing-vs-raptors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Warriors’ Gary Payton II isn’t playing vs. Raptors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Why-Gary-Payton-II-isnt-playing-vs.-Raptors.jpg"></figure><h1>Why Warriors’ Gary Payton II isn’t playing vs. Raptors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-20T18:12:53-07:00">March 20th, 6:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-20T18:26:22-07:00">March 20th, 6:26pm</time><address><a>Alex House</a>Alex House is a sports journalist who covers the NFL, NBA, and MLB for ClutchPoints. He grew up in a New York sports-heavy region in Connecticut and earned his journalism degree at the University of Rhode Island. His in-depth knowledge of two of the most passionate and raucous fan bases in the country gives him a truly unique writing voice.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Golden State Warriors (40-29) recovered from a head-scratching 114-105 home defeat to the undermanned Denver Nuggets and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-jimmy-butler-wills-golden-state-past-giannis-bucks-without-curry">dispatched of the Milwaukee Bucks without Stephen Curry</a> on Tuesday, earning a 104-93 victory. They will be without a different guard when they welcome in the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. Pesky defender Gary Payton II is <a href="https://x.com/anthonyVslater/status/1902867791776190553" rel="noopener">out with left knee soreness</a>, according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.</p><p>Considering the Raptors (24-45) are still without RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick, the Warriors should be able to take care of business in the Chase Center. Even so, it is always good to have a key role player like Payton on the floor, especially since Curry looked out of sorts and fatigued when he competed against the Nuggets. He shot 6-of-21 with seven turnovers in the 114-105 loss. Golden State head coach <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-steve-kerr-shares-eye-opening-take-on-stephen-currys-absence">Steve Kerr gave him the night off</a> versus Milwaukee, so perhaps the greatest shooter of all time will be rejuvenated in this upcoming contest.</p><p>Regardless of how the Warriors fare against the embattled Raptors, however, they will probably need Payton and other bench pieces to be sharp in the final stretch of the regular season and during the playoffs. The son of Hall of Famer Gary Payton is averaging 6.5 points on 57.8 percent shooting with 0.8 steals in 14.8 minutes per contest this season. Kerr particularly values his defense. Injuries are often a concern, though.</p><p>Payton has logged at least 70 games in a season just one time in his nine-year NBA career. Hopefully, he can get his knee right before the stakes go up a notch. Golden State sits in sixth place in the Western Conference, presently one game clear of the NBA Play-In Tournament picture. Gaining immediate entrance into the postseason without having to expend extra energy could be crucial for the squad’s collective health.</p><p>Payton will look on from the bench as the Warriors try to wrap up their homestand with a win over Toronto. The action starts at 10 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Why Warriors’ Gary Payton II isn’t playing vs. Raptors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-gary-payton-iis-fun-revelation-dubs-fans-thinking-championship');   ga('set', 'title', 'Warriors’ Gary Payton II’s ‘fun’ revelation has Dubs fans thinking championship');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gary-Payton-IIs-fun-revelation-will-have-Dubs-fans-thinking-championship.jpg"></figure><h1>Warriors’ Gary Payton II’s ‘fun’ revelation has Dubs fans thinking championship</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-03-12T14:47:23-07:00">March 12th, 2:47pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-03-12T14:47:23-07:00">March 12th, 2:47pm</time><address><a href="https://alexasabatte.wordpress.com">Alexa Sabatte</a>Alexa Sabatte is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a passionate sports writer dedicated to storytelling in the ever-evolving world of sports media. A graduate of NYU's American Journalism MA program, she has honed her skills at outlets like LAFB, ABC7 Los Angeles, and TMZ Sports, where her SEO expertise and interviews propelled stories to trend nationally.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Warriors fans are beginning to reminisce about <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-stephen-curry-2022-nba-finals-celtics">the excitement of their 2022 championship run</a>. Now, someone on the team feels the same exact way.</p><p>“We’ve had similar fun like this, in 2022. It’s starting to feel like that again,” Gary Payton II said, on 95.7  the Game, <a href="https://x.com/957thegame/status/1899909340502647105" rel="noopener">echoing the energy</a> that fans have been feeling.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
6.5	3.0	1.3	0.3	0.8

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
6.5	3.0	1.3	0.3	0.8

Gary Payton news

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