The Golden State Warriors will be getting a key contributor back for the NBA Finals, and possibly for Game 1. Defensive stalwart Gary Payton II has been progressing well following the fractured elbow he suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. He's expected to return to action during the Finals, according to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater. Furthermore, Payton is trending toward being a game-time decision for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics, per the Athletic.
The Warriors are anticipating the return of a major rotation piece for the upcoming NBA Finals. Gary Payton II is progressing well and there's optimism that he could be back at some point early in the series, possibly as soon as Game 1, sources told The Athletic on Friday …