Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II will miss around 13 games after he left the Warriors game against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter.
According to ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Payton would not return to the game due to a strained left hamstring.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game that he didn’t know the severity of the injury and wasn’t sure how much time Payton would miss.
“I feel bad for him, more than anything. I feel bad for us, too, but mainly for him,” Kerr said. “He makes such a big impact for us. So, fingers crossed that he’s not out for too long.”
Payton was playing in just his second game after he was out for the previous 13 games due to a right calf strain.
“He’s such a big part of our team,” Warriors guard Chris Paul said. “People may not realize it, but his energy is consistent every day — every practice, every game. Him coming back has been huge for us. So I hope whatever it is isn’t going to take a long time. I think for him, it’s going to be about getting as healthy as possible.”
“He relieves so much pressure for us, as far as guarding,” Warriors star Klay Thompson said. “I’m sure we’re going to miss him, but we just want to be healthy.”
