The Golden State Warriors have some catching up to do, down 0-1 in the 2022 NBA Finals. After blowing the lead and losing Game 1 to the Boston Celtics, it's all hands on deck for Game 2. Fortunately, it sounds like Gary Payton II will be available for the Sunday night matchup.
This is according to Steve Kerr, who shared the news Saturday afternoon. The Athletic's Anthony Slater tweeted the head coach's positive update.
Steve Kerr said Gary Payton II was only available for selective defensive possessions in Game 1. Trainers believed elbow needed more time. But Kerr said GP2 will be available for more usage, if needed, in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/GmXzPitrA9
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 4, 2022
The Warriors coach explained his reasoning behind not giving Payton any game time in Game 1, even though he was cleared to play.




“The other night I would have put him in in special circumstances, maybe a late-game stop. I didn't feel comfortable playing him significant minutes yet. I thought the training staff felt like he needed a little more time.”
However, according to Kerr, Dubs fans should expect to see Payton on the court Sunday night.
“I anticipate that he will be available for more than that tomorrow because the last couple of days have gone pretty well, and he's feeling good,” he said.
Payton hasn't taken the floor since the Warriors' first-round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, recording zero minutes in their last ten games. The guard fractured his left elbow after absorbing a hard foul by Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks. His availability for Game 2 would add a much-needed boost to the Warriors' defense.