The Golden State Warriors’ recent struggles just got worse with news that key defensive guard Gary Payton II will miss at least a week with a mild left calf strain. Payton initially injured the calf on November 21 against the Timberwolves and reaggravated it on Christmas Day versus the Lakers.
Payton’s Absence Leaves Defensive Void
Losing Payton for any amount of time is a significant blow to the Warriors, who have dropped 11 of their past 14 games after a 12-3 start to the season. The athletic wing is one of Golden State’s premier perimeter defenders. His ability to hound opposing ball handlers and disrupt passing lanes has been vital to the Warriors’ typically stifling defense.
While Payton’s offensive numbers are modest at 4.6 points in 13.1 minutes per game, his impact extends far beyond the box score. The Warriors outscore opponents by 5.1 points per 100 possessions with Payton on the court, the 4th highest net rating on the team.
Kerr Scrambling For Answers
Head coach Steve Kerr admitted he has been frantically searching for lineup combinations to stem the tide during the Warriors’ prolonged slump. Payton had been one of his most reliable options off the bench. Now Kerr will have to dig even deeper into his roster to fill those defensive-minded minutes.
“Losing Gary, even for a short time, leaves us without one of our best defenders and most athletic guards,” Kerr said. “We’ll have to find creative ways to fill that void.”
Steve Kerr on Gary Payton II’s injury
Curry’s Load Management a Factor
Complicating matters further is the Warriors’ cautious approach to Stephen Curry’s health. The 36-year-old superstar has been dealing with bilateral knee pain and may sit out one of Golden State’s upcoming back-to-back games against the Clippers and Suns this weekend.
- Curry leads the Warriors in scoring at 29.7 PPG
- Golden State is 1-3 in games Curry has missed this year
Managing the workload of their franchise player is prudent for the Warriors, but losing both Curry and Payton simultaneously would be a major challenge. Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole will have to elevate their play on both ends to keep the Warriors afloat.
Defensive Identity Missing
Defense has always been the bedrock of these Steve Kerr coached Warriors teams. Even last season when they finished 9th in defensive rating, their suffocating D was the catalyst for their Finals run. But this year, Golden State ranks just 18th in defensive efficiency, surrendering 112.1 points per 100 possessions.
Draymond Green, the defensive leader and former Defensive Player of the Year, hasn’t been his typical dominant self this season. His defensive metrics are down across the board. With Green not at peak form and other defenders like Payton and Wiggins missing time, the Warriors’ usually formidable defense has been reduced to mediocrity.
Looking Ahead
At 23-14, the Warriors still sit 4th in a loaded Western Conference. But their once comfortable cushion over the chasing pack has vanished during this slump. With a road-heavy slate looming and injury concerns mounting, the Warriors are facing legitimate adversity for the first time since their dynasty began.
Golden State has overcome countless challenges before with their unparalleled combination of talent, chemistry and championship pedigree. But with each passing loss and injury, the cracks in their armor are becoming harder to ignore. If the Warriors hope to three-peat as champions, they’ll need to rediscover their identity soon, starting on the defensive end.
