Steve Kerr Announces New Update on Absent Warriors Player in Game 7

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave an update on a player who is out for Game 7.

Apr 28, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr calls out from the sideline during the first quarter of game four of the 2025 NBA Playoffs first round against the Houston Rockets at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors are set to take on the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their first-round series, with a chance to move on and face the Minnesota Timberwolves in round two. The Warriors are trying to stave off the Rockets from completing a 3-1 comeback.

Unfortunately, Golden State will be without key player Gary Payton II, who is out with an illness. The 32-year-old averaged 6.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game in this series.

Gary Payton II is now OUT tonight for Game 7 because of an illness @NBCSWarriors
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) May 4, 2025

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr gave an update on Payton before the game, talking about his status this morning and at the moment.

“He’s just sick as a dog. Woke up ill… No way he can play.”

Steve Kerr confirms GP2 is OUT for Game 7 pic.twitter.com/qXaouzpNYk
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) May 4, 2025

"He's just sick as a dog," Kerr said. "Woke up ill and didn't go to shootaround. Hasn't eaten. No way he can play. So, big blow.

"We have to mix and match. He's obviously been an important player for us in the series. We're actually going through it right now and trying to figure out lineup combos. But it definitely opens up the door for more minutes for several different options."

After a brutal Game 6 loss at home, Kerr noted that it's possible we could see forward Jonathan Kuminga on the floor at some point in Game 7. The 22-year-old stepped in for Jimmy Butler when he was out in Game 3 and most of Game 2, but did not play for the rest of the series up to this point.

Payton being out opens the door for Kuminga, who is averaging 15.3 points per game this season.

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