Heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Warriors look to be as close to full health as in several months.
Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr., and Andre Iguodala were announced as questionable for Game 1 but did participate in the Warriors’ brief, full-contact scrimmage at Chase Center on Wednesday. The three injured Warriors players’ participation is welcome since all three weren’t on the court for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.
“We’ll see how they turn up tomorrow, but it was a good sign that they were able to take contact,” Kerr said.
During Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series, Payton II suffered a broken elbow against the Memphis Grizzlies. Dillon Brooks fouled Payton hard as he attempted to attack the rim on a fast break opportunity. Payton averages 5.5 points per game off the bench during the Golden States playoff run to the Finals.
The former Oregon State Beaver missed three other games in the playoffs due to foot soreness in both feet.
“Still got a couple boxes to check off,” Payton said. “Still not quite there yet. But excited. Getting better every day so.” He said he needed “a couple green lights” from various people inside the Warriors’ organization — presumably team medical personnel.
Iguodala hasn’t been on the court since Game 4 of the first round with a disc injury in his neck.
NBA Finals begin on Thursday, with Golden State hosting Game 1 in San Francisco.
