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 lost their wives and folded soldiers. The team not only lost away from home, but also lost its best single-player defender, Payton Jr.
The game was played with just 2 minutes and 57 seconds, and Payton Jr. was viciously fouled by Dillon Brooks on the layup. The latter struck Peyton Jr. in the head from behind, causing Peyton Jr. to fall heavily to the ground. Subsequently, Payton Jr. withdrew from the game and underwent an X-ray. Afterwards, the Warriors officially announced that Payton Jr. fractured his left elbow and would undergo an MRI tomorrow.
Peyton Jr.'s injury annoyed Cole very much. After Dillon fouled, Cole yelled at the Grizzlies bench, "He's X, let him roll!" And after the first quarter, Cole reiterated in an interview on the sidelines: "It's not called physical confrontation, it's dirty." ”
In the post-match press conference, Kerr fired at Dillon again. "How Dillon is punished depends on the alliance," he said. For this kind of behavior, I have always felt that as long as a player is injured, the foul person should be banned for as long as possible, and I think this is useful. ”
In fact, the NBA league has yet to decide whether to penalize Dillon. According to Woj, the NBA still needs to study before making a decision on this matter. To be sure, Payton Jr.'s absence is bound to affect the Warriors' playoff journey. He's the Warriors' best outside defender, and he always shines when he's staring at Morant.