Even though the Dallas Mavericks made them wait by forcing a fifth game, the Golden State Warriors took care of business to become Western Conference champions and book a ticket to the 2022 NBA Finals.
Stephen Curry and company are just a few steps away from tasting the ultimate glory again, having won their last title in 2018. Steve Kerr's boys went through a lot in the past three years, but they eventually found their way back to prominence.
With Klay Thompson healthy after a long time, Draymond Green recovered in time for the playoffs, and role players like Andrew Wiggins performing at an incredible level, the Dubs found the best version of themselves again. On top of that, they're recovering another important player for the Finals.
Report: Warriors expected to have Gary Payton II back for Game 1 of NBA Finals
According to Shams Charania and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Gary Payton II is nearing his return to NBA action. In fact, he could be ready for the very first game of the Finals, which begin on Thursday.
(Via 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...
"The injury occurred on May 3. Payton was given a three-to-five week timetable. Game 1 of the finals is on June 2, four weeks post-fracture. Payton's left arm was immobilized in the initial days after the fracture, but he has been amping up his workouts in recent days."
Payton has been on the sidelines since May 3, when he fractured his elbow against the Memphis Grizzlies after Dillon Brooks made a scary challenge while he was on the air attempting to reach the rim.
Andre Iguodala is also expected to return at some point during the Finals, which would only boost the Warriors' aspirations. With the title closer than ever, the Dubs will need all hands on deck.
