The Golden State Warriors shared some rough news about Gary Payton II before Game 7 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr spoke with the media prior to Game 7 and revealed that Payton woke up sick on Sunday and would not be able to play in the series-deciding game at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Kerr added that Payton has not even been able to eat.
Steve Kerr said Gary Payton II woke up sick, hasn’t been able to eat and “no way he can play” per Steve Kerr. He said coaching staff is in the middle of discussing rotational impact/lineup combination options pregame.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 4, 2025
Payton had played in all six previous games of the series, averaging 16 minutes per contest while making one start. He averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game and often played defense against Fred VanVleet.
Some Warriors fans were not worried about the loss, citing Payton’s negative defensive stats in the series.
Gary Payton II is out for Game 7.
— GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) May 4, 2025
He’s had the worst defensive rating on the Warriors this series (123.5), worst net rating (-17.7), and one of the 10 worst offensive ratings on the team.
He’s been a clear negative this series. pic.twitter.com/avcYTsgDa7
The Warriors had initially taken a 3-1 series lead before Houston won the next two games to force a Game 7 at the Toyota Center.
