On May 4, Beijing time, NBA Western Conference Semifinals G2, the Warriors lost 101-106 to the Grizzlies, and the total score of the two sides was 1-1 drawn. In this game, the Warriors can be described as "losing the lady and folding the soldiers". The team not only lost away from home, but also lost the team's best single-player defender, Peyton Jr.
With 9 minutes and 03 seconds left in the first quarter, Peyton Jr. was fouled by Dillon from behind when he was viciously fouled from behind, causing Peyton Jr. to fall heavily to the ground. After watching the replay, the referee convicted Dillon of a second-degree malicious foul and was directly expelled. Payton Jr. also left the field for treatment due to an elbow injury.
According to Warriors reporter Kendra Andrews, Payton Jr. was diagnosed with a fractured left elbow after an X-ray and will receive an MRI tomorrow. Subsequently, the Warriors officially confirmed the news. According to the analysis of medical experts, elbow fractures generally require 4 weeks of rest. Payton Jr. will not be able to return until the Finals at the earliest.
Don't look at Payton Jr. as just a top-paid player, but his role in the Warriors' rotation is very important. In the past few games, Payton Jr. has been part of the Warriors' final lineup. His individual defensive ability is very outstanding, especially against players of Morant's type. According to official NBA statistics, Morant shot only 4 of 18 when facing Payton's defense this season. In today's game, after Payton Jr. retired from injury, Morant scored 47 points.
After Payton Jr. was injured, the Warriors faced the real problem of changing the rotation lineup. After the game, Kerr also talked about the issue. He said: "Hopefully Iguodala G3 will come back and we'll see how he performs in the next few days." So far in the playoffs, Iguodala has played just three games and averaged 1.3 points per game.