Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II has injured his left thumb. He has a torn ligament and will be sidelined for at least one week, the team announced on Thursday. Payton, a key reserve player at 32 years old, is important for Golden State, especially since they acquired Jimmy Butler and have become one of the top teams in the NBA.
Since Butler joined the team, their success has largely been due to their defense, which ranks third in the NBA. Payton is known as a tough defender at the point of attack and plays a significant role off the bench. Recently, his three-point shooting has improved, making him more effective on offense since Butler`s arrival. The Warriors have a 16-5 record since the trade deadline, and Draymond Green is now a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year. Green will need to continue his strong play while Payton is absent.
However, the team`s playoff seeding is more critical than individual awards. After losing their last two games, the Warriors have dropped to the 7th seed in the Western Conference. This position would put them in the Play-In Tournament, starting with a game against the 8th-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. Without Payton, it will be more challenging for the Warriors to overtake the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently tied with them for the 6th seed.
The Warriors began the season with a very deep roster, but injuries and trades have reduced that depth. Now, the contributions of Butler, Green, and Stephen Curry will be even more vital as the Warriors aim to solidify their playoff spot in the coming months.
Jasper Hawthorne