Since returning to the Warriors’ lineup and becoming healthy, Gary Payton II has been a key member of the squad. He was even chosen to start Game 4 against LeBron James and the Lakers because of all his outstanding efforts, as the Dubs went small.
And yet, at the six-minute mark, the man abruptly stood up and left the arena for the Warriors’ locker room, confusing stunned spectators everywhere. How did Gary Payton II fare? Was he able to leave the game and come back to it?
What happened to Gary Payton II?
If you haven’t already watched what happened, please watch the relevant portion of Game 4 of the Warriors vs. Lakers in the tweet below from BBallBreakdown.
Something happened with Payton, u can see him signaling to the bench… bad stomach? And Draymond makes the good pass to Phil Handy. pic.twitter.com/isNfzFGYeW
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) May 9, 2023
At the time, it appeared as though the man had strained a muscle or twisted an ankle. However, with closer examination, the genuine cause, at last, becomes apparent. And it’s a really strange one. Check out Darren Hupketo’s tweet below to see what transpired.
Gary Payton Jr throws up on the floor but saves it all in his mouth. Talent. pic.twitter.com/DwYA0LqXwb
— Darren Hupke – Writes about retro games (@darrenhupke) May 9, 2023
The most logical explanation for this is that he puked in his mouth and kept it there before racing to the locker room. It should be emphasized that there is currently no official statement on the subject. Payton most likely did nothing more than throw up in his mouth, though. Thank goodness for the Golden State Warriors, he soon joined them on the bench and was prepared to play once more.
