There is something that Gary Payton II possesses which has the Golden State Warriors bringing him back every year. He played a small, yet pivotal role in the Warriors’ championship run back in 2022. The 2021-22 season was his best so far as he appeared for 71 games averaging 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Unfortunately, his playoff stint ended with an injury.
GARY PAYTON II. pic.twitter.com/T1IcZxBFLt
— Portal Wiggins 🇧🇷 (@PortalWigginsBr) November 7, 2023
Despite the injury, he returned during the NBA Finals and helped the Warriors seal the deal. He was an important player on defense during the Warriors‘ final two games against the Boston Celtics. Last year, signed with the Portland Trail Blazers where he appeared for 15 games. The $28 million three-year contract was sent to the Warriors who decided to bring him back once again this year.
Fans linked Kendra Lust to Gary Payton II’s with a bizarre post
This season, Gary Payton II is producing his second-best numbers coming off the bench. He’s averaging 6.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and one assist per game on 18.3 minutes of playing time. Recently, the Warriors had a couple of road games. Dub Nation suffered from a few losses but recorded one crucial victory against the Detroit Pistons. Adult Film Actress Kendra Lust was in attendance that night as she is a major Pistons fan.
WAIT A MINUTE…. https://t.co/C3LGmW6Ifv pic.twitter.com/cdGux9zvdP
— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) November 12, 2023
A few days after the game, NBA insider Anthony Slater announced that Payton suffered from a finger injury. He cut his finger during one of the Warriors’ road games which became infected. He was listed as questionable against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 12. One fan somehow drew links between his infected finger and Kendra as she had posted a picture of her on X, fist-bumping Gary.
Gary Payton II participated against the Wolves despite enduring a finger injury
Even though Gary Payton II was listed as questionable hours before the game, he still participated against the Wolves. Payton appeared to be handling his injury well during pregame warmups which ultimately led to his participation. He finished with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in 14 minutes. Payton has been showing consistency and a higher role would yield better numbers from him.
Unfortunately, the Warriors have not been playing well. They’re on a three-game losing streak following their gruesome loss against the Wolves on Sunday. Minnesota has been playing far better under Anthony Edwards‘ leadership. However, this means that the Warriors will have stiff competition to deal with if they qualify for the playoffs. The Warriors are currently the sixth seed in the West with a record of 6-5.