Although the Golden State Warriors were stunned with a late loss after a collapse in the final minutes against the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans at Chase Center found a reason to rise to their feet on Sunday night.
Sunday’s contest against the Wolves marked the first appearance of Gary Payton II since he was acquired by the Warriors in a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers on NBA trade deadline day. After failing his physical during the trade, the former Golden State guard has been out since early as he’s continued rehabbing a right adductor injury.
After becoming a fan favorite during the Warriors’ title run last season, the home crowd at San Francisco’s Chase Center welcomed Payton II back to the Bay Area with a thunderous ovation. When the defensive guard checked in for the first time on Sunday night the dub nation crowd in San Francisco rose to their feet for a standing ovation.
Via @NBA on Twitter:
GPII returns to the floor 👏
A standing O as Gary Payton II checks in for the @warriors for the first time this season!
Watch now on NBA TV ⤵️https://t.co/0rrSPxOHD0 pic.twitter.com/UKK8pp7QvL
— NBA (@NBA) March 27, 2023
Payton II played 15 minutes off the bench in his debut with the Warriors, tallying nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from the field with a made triple to go along with two boards and an assist in Golden State’s loss to Minnesota on Sunday.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
