The Golden State Warriors announced that Gary Payton II has suffered a partial tear of a ligament in his left thumb, an injury that will sideline him indefinitely. The defensive-minded guard sustained the injury during the Warriors’ 112-86 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
The team confirmed the diagnosis on Thursday and ruled Payton out for Friday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. He will be reevaluated in one week, but no official timeline for his return has been set.
Payton’s Impact on the Warriors
While Payton’s raw numbers may not jump off the page, his defensive versatility, hustle, and energy have been crucial for the Warriors this season.
📊 2024-25 Season Stats (Per Game):
🔹 6.6 PPG
🔹 3.0 RPG
🔹 1.3 APG
🔹 14.9 MPG
Over his last seven games, Payton had stepped up offensively, averaging 12 points per game, making his injury even more frustrating for Golden State.
At 6’2″, he plays bigger than his size, often guarding elite scorers and bigger wings while providing transition offense and smart cutting in the half-court.
What’s Next for Golden State?
The Warriors (fighting for a playoff/play-in spot) will miss Payton’s defensive presence against elite guards and wings in upcoming games. The one-week reevaluation timeline suggests that if the injury lingers, Payton could miss multiple key games down the stretch of the regular season.
With Golden State needing every win to secure a postseason berth, Payton’s absence comes at a tough time. How much will the Warriors miss him, and who will step up in his place? 🤔
