SAN FRANCISCO — Gary Payton II, Otto Porter Jr.. Y Andrew Iguodala they will be available for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Wednesday afternoon.
Payton has been out since Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals after breaking his elbow on a controversial play with Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies. Porter missed the final game and a half of the Conference Finals with a sore left foot. Iguodala missed 30 of the last 36 regular season games and all of the playoffs with a leg and neck injury.
On Wednesday, Kerr said the trio participated fully in practice, including playing with the team, the first time they had done contact work since their respective injuries.
Draymond Green talked about Payton’s ability to provide the Warriors with another tough defender once he returns. Porter has provided valuable contributions throughout the postseason, and teammates have spoken about Iguodala’s invaluable observations and advice from the sidelines.
“It’s the same Andre,” he said. Stephen Curry. “He just has a different capacity where he knows he can help us as he’s struggled with injuries. If he’s not available on the pitch, he’s been amazing just being a voice, a presence for the young guys, not just in the locker room. , during practice, but you’ve obviously seen him up and demonstrative during games on the sidelines.
“He’s always been like that, but obviously when you’re playing you’re a little bit more focused on what you have to do between the lines. But he’s also a great guy and a great leader who knows if he’s not out there, he can still have an impact.” .
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Payton II, Porter Jr. and Iguodala, available for J1