Bad news.
The Golden State Warriors 124-123 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday Night just went from bad to worse. Not only did the team drop a game in the standings, lose a chance to advance in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament, and have their egos bruised after blowing a 24-point victory, but they sustained injuries to Gary Payton II and Chris Paul.
We’re still awaiting word on Paul’s injury, but we have news on GPII’s, and unfortunately, it’s not good. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Payton has a torn right calf, and is out indefinitely.
Golden State Warriors G/F Gary Payton II has suffered a torn right calf and will be sidelined indefinitely, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/xId2giYdb1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 29, 2023
It’s awful news for Payton, who was looking healthy and like his old self after a 2022-23 season that was defined by injuries (and injury mismanagement by the Portland Trail Blazers). And it’s a brutal blow for the Dubs, as Payton had established himself as one of their best players on both sides of the ball, operating as a defensive menace, an excellent rebounder, and an exceptional cutter.
We’ll have to wait for an update from the Warriors to know what Payton’s timeline is, as the severity of the tear is not known. It’s safe to say that he’ll be out for a few weeks, if not months.
With Payton out, the Dubs will likely need to rely more on either rookie Brandin Podziemski or emergency veteran Cory Joseph, and they’ll be hoping to get better news with Paul.
Heal up, GPII.