Key Warriors Player Receives Huge Injury Update After Heat Game

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II suffered an injury against the Miami Heat

Mar 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Golden State Warriors guards Stephen Curry (30) and Gary Payton II look to the bench during a break in the action against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images | Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

The Golden State Warriors suffered a crushing loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, playing without superstar point guard Steph Curry, but their injury luck has just gotten worse.

With Curry sidelined, the Warriors turned to Gary Payton II to start against the Heat, and he was making an impact on both sides of the floor. In just 20 minutes of action, Payton had 4 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, but his night was cut short.

After getting injured in Tuesday's game, standout Warriors guard Gary Payton II has reportedly suffered a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be sidelined indefinitely, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.

Golden State Warriors G/F Gary Payton II has sustained a torn ligament in his left thumb and will be out for an indefinite period, sources tell ESPN. Brutal blow to the Warriors’ rotation. pic.twitter.com/wfiq0pa1vm

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 27, 2025

Payton has been a key player in the Warriors' system for multiple seasons, headlined by helping their 2021-22 championship run. This season, Payton is averaging 6.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals in just 14.9 minutes per game while efficiently shooting 58.5% from the field.

Payton is an anchor for Golden State's defense, and his absence will certainly be felt on that end of the floor going forward.

GARY PAYTON II THROWS DOWN A POSTER ON HARTENSTEIN 🤯🔥

WOW. pic.twitter.com/U1XBN1jOkk

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 30, 2025

The Warriors have been a different team since trading for six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, as the pairing of him and Curry seems to have taken Golden State into championship contention. While the stars get the attention, Golden State's supporting cast has been just as helpful.

Not having Payton for a potential playoff run would be devastating for the Warriors, so they are certainly hoping he can recover for the postseason, although it may be unlikely.