In the Warriors' G2 game against the Grizzlies, Payton Jr. left the court injured less than 3 minutes after the opening. On an offensive attack, Payton Jr. had already passed the defender and Morant had fouled, but Dillon Brooks behind him slapped Payton Jr. the head. The slap caused Little Payton to fall heavily to the ground, and X-rays revealed a fractured elbow in his left hand.
As is customary, elbow fractures are rested for at least 4-6 weeks. In other words, after Payton Jr. recovers, the playoffs should already be in the Finals. Unless the Warriors are able to break out of the West this year, Payton Jr.'s season reimbursement will become an established fact.
For the Warriors, signing Peyton Jr. with a base salary this year is definitely a very beautiful operation. His individual defensive ability is impressive, and his passing on the offensive end is also a good fit for the Warriors. But for Payton Jr., who would have had a bigger stage in the playoffs to get himself a bigger contract next season. But all this seems to have been ruined by Dillon's slap.
Payton Jr. is 29 years old, but this is his first playoff appearance. He played very the Warriors and did well. In the first round against the Nuggets, Payton Jr. conquered Kerr with his own efforts and became a member of the Warriors' fourth-quarter final lineup. Facing the Grizzlies in the second round of the series, Peyton Jr. was promoted to the Warriors' starting lineup. He was responsible for defending Morant on the pitch, leaving him with a large stage for performance.
However, Dillon's slap destroyed everything. Payton Jr. was determined to play in the next series against the Grizzlies. The Warriors couldn't find the right guy to defend Morant, which was the main reason he scored 47 points at G2. In the regular season, Peyton Jr.'s performance was amazing. In the playoffs, Payton Jr. went from the bench to the starter. He would have had a chance to win a bigger contract for himself. Now, because of injuries, Payton Jr.'s 21-22 season even has to end early. At this moment, it is really a little painful for this NBA ball second generation!