What Happened to Gary Payton II? 30YO Star?s Injury Scare Adds Further Concern to Depleted Warriors

The Golden State Warriors are facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a severely depleted squad. The Warriors do not have their leading scorer, Stephen Curry as he has been ruled out due to an injury. This is followed by the absence of their leading defensive player, Draymond Green as well.

Draymond Green has been suspended for five games due to his actions in the game against Minnesota. And now, the team has likely lost Gary Payton II due to a freak injury during the game against the Thunder.

Gary Payton II adds to a depleted Warriors squad

The Golden State Warriors were already underhanded in this game against the Thunder. However, there was still some hope to keep this a close battle up until the injury to Gary Payton II took place.

?A minute into the second quarter, GP II managed to steal off an inbound by Chet Holgrem. He went to the rim and was able to draw a foul off of Holgrem. Since Payton was not able to finish, out of enthusiasm he tried to get the shot up once again after the foul was called.

Unfortunately, he landed on the foot of Holgrem, twisting his ankle. Payton II was then rushed off from the floor and most likely will not return to the game.

Read More -?Can Stephen Curry Alone Carry Warriors to Success? Steve Kerr?s Honest Admission on Warriors Attack Prompts Glaring Questions

As per NBA sports reporter Dalton Johnson, ?No Gary Payton II on the bench to begin the second half. Rick Celebrini is back, but GP2 is not.??Another update followed the one above stating, ?Gary Payton II is OUT with a sprained left ankle. X-rays were negative.?

The injury to Gary Payton II will go on to hurt the Warriors in not just this game but their upcoming matchups as well.?

Will the Warriors be able to keep up?

With no Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and now Gary Payton II in the lineup, the Warriors still managed to stay in the game against the Thunder. Players like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, and even Kevon Looney stepped up.

Watch This Story – Warriors save millions despite hefty Draymond Green fine and suspension, winners and losers of Rudy Gobert chokehold drama?

In the absence of Stephen Curry, Chris Paul was brought to the starting lineup and Dario Saric started the game instead of Kevon Looney. While Payton was not known for his offense, his defensive instincts more than made up for it.

Stay tuned for more details on Payton?s injury. Meanwhile, let?s see if the Warriors can defy all odds and go home with the win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.