The Golden State Warriors are even in their series with the Memphis Grizzlies at one game apiece. On Thursday it was announced that Warriors point guard Gary Payton II of Seattle, Washington had broken his elbow after being a recipient of a hit by Dillon Brooks of the Grizzlies according to nba.com. Subsequently, Brooks received a flagrant foul, automatic ejection, and a one game suspension. He will serve the suspension for game three of the series on Saturday.
The incident occurred only 2 minutes and 52 seconds into the second game of the series, a 106-101 Memphis win on Tuesday. Payton II was in the process of having a layup attempt, when Brooks swung his arm and hit Payton II on the head. Payton II fell awkwardly, and was holding his left arm.
Payton II is hopeful to be back in the Warriors lineup for the NBA Finals. Just how long he will be out is uncertain at this time. Initial reports have Payton II out three to five weeks with a re-evaluation period in two weeks.
In 2021-22, Payton II averaged 7.1 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, and 1.4 steals per game. He has a field goal percentage of .616, three-point percentage of .358, and free throw percentage of .603. In the playoffs so far, Payton II has 43 points in seven games.
It is a good thing the Warriors have one of the best point guards in the entire NBA in Stephen Curry. Now you will just be expecting Curry to possibly play even more. Payton II meanwhile is the son of nine-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer Gary Payton.
