Steve Kerr explains Gary Payton II’s usage in Game 1 of NBA Finals vs. Celtics

After he was available in Game 1 and didn’t play, Steve Kerr explained Gary Payton II’s usage coming off his elbow injury.

Prior to Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, the Golden State Warriors welcomed the return of a trio of injured players. After missing time due to different injuries, Andre Iguodala, Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II during the playoffs were considered available in Game 1 against the Celtics on Thursday night.

Despite Iguodala and Porter Jr. getting minutes off the bench in Golden State’s Game 1 loss to Boston, Payton II didn’t enter the contest. Payton II suffered a fractured elbow in Game 2 of the second round against the Memphis Grizzlies after a hard foul from Dillon Brooks. Payton II hasn’t played since his elbow injury on May 3.

Before Game 2, Steve Kerr was asked about Payton II usage in Game 1 against the Celtics. Kerr explained he didn’t feel comfortable playing Payton II significant minutes yet, but the guard could be more available in Game 2 on Sunday.

Yeah, the other night, I would have put him in in special circumstances. Maybe a late-game stop. I didn’t feel comfortable playing him significant minutes yet. I thought and the training staff felt like he needed a little more time.

I anticipate that he will be available for more than that tomorrow because the last couple of days have gone pretty well and he’s feeling better.

Via @anthonyVslater on Twitter:

If the Celtics heat up from beyond the arc similar to Game 1, Kerr could call on Payton II’s fierce defensive effort off the bench in Game 2 on Sunday. Both Iguodala and Payton II give Golden State a reliable defensive spark off the bench.

Prior to suffering his injury against the Grizzlies, Payton II averaged 6.1 points on 72.7% shooting from the floor with three rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 15.8 minutes per contest.

With the Celtics holding a 1-0 lead in the series, Game 2 is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT on Sunday at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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