Amidst a challenging month marked by setbacks and disappointment for the Golden State Warriors, a ray of positivity emerged on Monday as two key reserves, Gary Payton II and Moses Moody, received encouraging updates on their injuries. Both players were cleared for light individual on-court workouts, providing a glimmer of hope for the Warriors.
Gary Payton II, a crucial defensive asset for the team, has been sidelined for three weeks with a grade 2 strain in his left calf. The injury occurred during a game against the Orlando Magic on January 2, just his second appearance after missing 13 games due to a previous left calf injury. The 31-year-old, who has been a defensive anchor, participated in practice on Monday, engaging in workouts and shooting with an assistant coach. Payton is set to undergo another evaluation in two weeks, offering optimism for his return to the court.
The Warriors, grappling with defensive challenges throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, have struggled in the absence of Payton. In the seven games he has missed, the team allowed an average of 127 points per game and secured only two wins out of seven.
Meanwhile, Moses Moody, a significant contributor to the team’s scoring off the bench, is making progress in his recovery from a grade 1 left calf strain sustained on January 10 against the New Orleans Pelicans. Like Payton, Moody has been granted permission to resume light individual workouts and will undergo a re-evaluation in one week.
The Warriors faced setbacks in two out of three games during Moody’s absence, highlighting the team’s reliance on his offensive prowess. The third-year guard, averaging career highs in scoring (8.7), shooting percentage (48.2), and minutes played (18), is a valuable asset for the team.
Injuries, coupled with Draymond Green’s NBA suspension, have left the Warriors shorthanded for a significant portion of the season. The absence of key players has necessitated adjustments, with rookie Brandin Podziemski stepping up to fill the void. The Warriors’ bench, a consistent source of strength this season, is among the league leaders in scoring (43.8 points per game) and minutes played.
With the potential return of Gary Payton II and Moses Moody to active play, the Warriors aim to enhance their overall team performance and strengthen their position in the league standings.
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