Massive Boost for Stephen Curry and the Warriors as Star Defender Nears Finals Return vs Jayson Tatum’s Celtics

Gary Payton II is expected to return during the NBA Finals series against the Boston Celtics. According to journalist and insider Shams Charania, the Golden State Warriors guard is trending towards a game-time decision for Game 1. He had to be sidelined due to a fractured elbow he suffered during Game 2 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Payton tried to brace his fall after Dillon Brooks’ flagrant foul sent him rolling.

Brooks was suspended for one game while Payton missed the rest of the 2nd round and the Conference Finals. The injury took place on the 3rd of May and he was given a three-to-five week timetable. Payton’s left arm was immobilized in the immediate days after the injury but according to Charania, he had been amping up his workouts in recent days.

Earlier, Warriors coach Steve Kerr did give a status update on Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr. and Andre Iguodala. He told the media, “None of them scrimmaged, but they all took part in practice. So they’re all progressing and doing pretty well, and we’ll have an update again tomorrow or the next day. We’ll just see where it all goes.” It looks like for now, the Warriors will almost have a full lineup for the Finals series.

Gary Payton II – How important is he to the Warriors?

Gary Payton II being present eases pressure on the starters. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson would be glad to have a proper bench during the Finals. Payton was also making important contributions to the playoff games. He scored 15 points in 26 minutes of play, Payton II emerged as a key figure in Golden State?s 102-98 Game 5 win that secured its first-round series over the Denver Nuggets.

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He had been an important figure for the Warriors. He started games for them before the unfortunate injury. In his last full match against the Memphis Grizzlies, he ended with 8 points, 6 rebounds (4 of which were offensive), and 3 assists. Every key game-changing play went through him. While the Warriors did end up in the Finals, having Gary Payton II back allows them additional insurance.

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Can Payton’s comeback provide an extra edge to Golden State? We will have to wait and see the first game on the 2nd of June.