Just when the Golden State Warriors needed all hands on deck for the final stretch of the season, they took a major hit. Gary Payton Jr., a crucial defensive presence, has suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb, dealing a crushing blow to the Warriors’ already shaky playoff hopes.
The timing couldn’t be worse—Golden State is in the middle of a six-game road trip and a heated playoff race, barely holding onto the seventh seed in the Western Conference.
Payton isn’t just another role player; he’s their defensive engine. And now, with just 10 games left in the regular season, the Warriors have lost one of their most reliable defenders.
ESPN’s Shams Charania Provides Updates On Payton
The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, is another gut punch for a team already dealing with Stephen Curry’s lingering injuries and a brutal upcoming schedule.
The veteran analyst reported that Payton will be out for an indefinite period.
“Golden State Warriors G/F Gary Payton II has sustained a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be out for an indefinite period, sources tell ESPN. Brutal blow to the Warriors’ rotation,” Charania wrote on X.
Payton played 20 minutes in the Warriors’ 112-86 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday (March 25), finishing with four points and seven rebounds before being ruled out. While his offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, his presence on defense has been invaluable—especially with Curry sitting out games due to a pelvis contusion.
The Warriors (41-31) are currently battling with the Clippers for the No. 6 seed, hoping to avoid the dreaded play-in tournament. But losing Payton—on top of Curry’s lingering issues—couldn’t have come at a worse time. With upcoming matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets, the road ahead just got a whole lot tougher.
They’ve lost two straight and three of their last five games, and now, they’ll have to face that brutal stretch without Payton. To make matters worse, Curry is still questionable for Friday’s (March 28) game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a pelvis contusion. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Warriors desperately need someone to step up.
Steve Kerr Calls On Jonathan Kuminga
With Payton sidelined, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is looking to Jonathan Kuminga to take on a bigger defensive role.
“It opens up an opportunity for (Jonathan Kuminga) to be that defensive stopper—the guy we’ve relied on Gary (Payton II) to be,” Kerr said. “JK is the obvious guy to put on the best offensive player, pick up full, harass people like Gary does. I’m gonna ask JK to do that, and it definitely opens up more minutes for him if he’s effective with that.”
Kuminga has had an impressive season, averaging 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. But now, this isn’t just about stats—it’s about proving he can step up when the Warriors need him most.
With the playoffs on the line, Curry’s status uncertain, and the Warriors’ defense taking a major hit, Kuminga has a chance to show he’s more than just a young talent.