Latest Report on Warriors’ Gary Payton II Hamstring Injury, Return Date
Gary Payton II just can’t catch a break with injuries.
The Warriors, who are currently 16-17, have been looking for a spark of energy on their bench. Defensively, Payton supplies this to his team, which is why his loss is significant.
Payton has played in only 16 games this season due to injury, averaging 5.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.
Further Reading:
Coach Jamahl Mosley Praises Magic Attacking The Basket vs. Warriors
Mosley said he was pleased with his team’s ability to score in the paint and get to the rim, though he noted the team needs to adjust to contact around the basket. Orlando (19-14) outscored Golden State (16-17) in the paint 54-46.
“I thought we did a fantastic job getting to the basket,” Mosley said after the game. “There were a lot of hands, we just have to learn how to play through and not worry about whether we get the call or not but I loved the way in which we attacked the basket.”
Orlando also outrebounded the Warriors 41-36, including 16-9 on the offensive boards. The Magic shot itself in the foot with 17 turnovers compared to 12 for Golden State. The Warriors also got to the line more, shooting 24 of 37 from the free-throw line, while Orlando was 19 of 23.
Magic forward Paolo Banchero had a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds and had six assists. Banchero shot 8 for 20 from the field and 3 for 8 from beyond the 3-point line. His teammate, Franz Wagner, scored 25 points on 10 of 19 shooting and was 1 for 5 from three.
The Magic struggled to contain Warriors point guard Steph Curry. The two-time MVP scored 36 points, shooting 12 of 20 and 4 of 9 from beyond the arc. Golden State had seven players score in double-figures in the win.
Orlando will look to rebound quickly when it faces the Sacramento Kings (19-13) on Wednesday at the Golden 1 Center at 10 p.m. ET.
Leave a Reply