The Warriors decided to shake things up in the prelude to Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Lakers, inserting guard Gary Payton II into their starting lineup.
Payton II, however, made headlines by briefly leaving the court in the middle of a play. He returned and eventually finished with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists in Golden State’s 104–101 loss.
His exit invited speculation from fans that quickly coalesced into a disgusting theory: Payton II may have left the court to throw up.
Lakers blogger Michael Corvo suggested in zooming in on footage of Payton II leaving the game. He indicates that the evidence lies in Payton’s inflated cheeks immediately before he takes himself out—which seemed to imply he’d been holding in the vomit for an entire possession.
Omg here's why this happened. Honestly props to Gary Payton II for holding it inpic.twitter.com/bT7YcvsNzz https://t.co/LCJkMc4dJ7
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) May 9, 2023
Payton II, for his part, played it cool when asked how he was feeling postgame.
"I'm good," he grinned. "I'm good."
NBA fans' reactions oscillated between revulsion and awe.
Respect for this. Maybe the most incredible act on the court tonight. Gary Payton II kept his hurl in his mouth. pic.twitter.com/vnrVVTwlnK
— Damon Bruce (@DamonBruce) May 9, 2023
Some had fun with the situation.
Gary Payton II in the locker room rn pic.twitter.com/trFMqTHCBN
— 🦍 (@1GenoBlack) May 9, 2023
Hall of Fame forward Paul Pierce caught strays.
Paul Pierce filming Gary Payton II running back to the lockerroom, hoping the world will finally forget. pic.twitter.com/PrVptJT0uW
— Mark Travis (@Mark_Travis) May 9, 2023
Despite Payton II’s valiant efforts, the Warriors now stand one loss on Wednesday night away from an untimely playoff exit.
