Gary Payton II leaves game after apparent ankle injury

UPDATE: GP2 returned to the game in the fourth quarter.

Golden State Warriors point guard Gary Payton II exited Wednesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter after appearing to suffer an ankle injury.

Payton — who was having probably his best game of the season, making a strong impact on both ends of the court — cut towards the basket with the shot clock expiring, and had a pass from Nemanja Bjelica directed his way. Needing to get a shot off quickly, Payton tried to jump, catch, and shoot the ball all in one motion, and appeared to come down on his ankle awkwardly when he landed.

After grimacing and limping a bit, Payton motioned to coach Steve Kerr for a substitution, despite there being only 1.1 seconds left in the quarter. Payton immediately went to the Warriors locker room, though he left the court on his own power.

Payton was moving fairly quickly off the court, so here’s hoping it’s just a mild ankle twist, and that he won’t miss any time. We’ll keep you updated.