Warriors will be without their defensive specialist for a while.
The Golden State Warriors will be without Gary Payton II for at least a week due to a mild calf strain.
Mild calf strain for Gary Payton II last night, the Warriors announce. Out at least a week.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 27, 2024
Payton suffered the strain after landing awkwardly after a fast-break layup.
Gary Payton II limping after that burst layup. He came in dealing with a calf issue in what's otherwise been a healthy season for him. Talking to Rick Celebrini during the timeout.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 26, 2024
Payton’s absence will be felt. The Warriors will be without a change-of-pace defender who could also act as an effective screener for Steph Curry, provided that he rolls after screening instead of popping (Payton is 5-of-32 – 15.6% – on threes this season).
