Warriors' Gary Payton: Breaks through with big Game 5
Rotowire
Payton contributed 15 points (6-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and three steals across 26 minutes during Monday's 104-94 win over Boston in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Payton was the leading scorer off the bench for the Warriors, and he was very efficient with a 6-for-8 effort from the field. The sixth-year guard tied his playoff career high with 15 points, which he initially set against Denver in Game 5 of the opening round this year. Payton was also a difference-maker on defense, helping to contain the perimeter while racking up a team-high three steals.
Payton (elbow) is available for Wednesday's Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Payton will play in Game 3 after chipping in seven points, three rebounds and three assists across 25 minutes during Sunday's Game 2 win. With Andre Iguodala (knee) and Otto Porter (foot) also cleared for Game 3, the Warriors will have all of their reserves available as they look to take a 2-1 series lead in Boston on Wednesday.
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Warriors' Gary Payton: Lands on injury report again
Rotowire
Payton (elbow) is questionable for Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Celtics on Wednesday.
Payton was technically available for Game 1 but didn't see the floor as coach Steve Kerr opted to roll with Andre Iguodala (knee) and Otto Porter (foot) for longer stretches off the bench. However, the defensive-minded guard cracked the rotation in Game 2 and totaled seven points (3-3 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 0-2 FT), three rebounds and three assists in 25 minutes.
Warriors' Gary Payton: Likely to see minutes in Game 2
Rotowire
Payton (elbow) is expected to return to the rotation for Sunday's Game 2 of the NBA Finals against Boston, Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News reports.
Payton was technically available for Game 1 but did not see the floor as coach Steve Kerr opted to roll with Andre Iguodala (knee) and Otto Porter for longer stretches off the bench. It remains unclear just how close to 100 percent Payton may be, but with Iguodala sidelined for Game 2, Kerr told the media pregame that he "anticipates" having Payton back in the rotation.
Payton (elbow) could see playing time in Sunday's Game 2 against the Celtics, Kendra Andrews of ESPN.com reports. The guard was cleared for Game 1 but didn't see the floor. He is officially listed as questionable.
Coach Steve Kerr intimated that Payton was only going to play in "special circumstances" during Game 1, as his elbow needed a little more time to heal. If the defensive specialist sees action in Game 2, it could come at the expense of minutes for Jordan Poole, Andre Iguodala and possibly Kevon Looney or Otto Porter.
