Payton sends message to Warriors doubters: 'See you in the playoffs'

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 13: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a free throw against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2022 NBA Finals on June 13, 2022 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE
Nathaniel S. Butler / National Basketball Association / Getty

Gary Payton II isn't bothered by the notion that some teams aren't afraid of the Golden State Warriors.

During an appearance on 95.7 The Game's "Steiny & Guru" show Thursday, the Warriors guard offered a simple message to his team's detractors.

"I'll see you in the playoffs. We can figure it out in the playoffs," Payton said. "That's the only thing I can say: We'll figure it out in the playoffs.

"If you ain't there, I don't know what to tell you."

The Warriors enter Friday's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs sitting at 40-37 and holding on to the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Dropping to between the 7-seed and 10-seed would place them in the play-in tournament.

Payton, a key part of the Warriors' 2022 championship run, missed extended time this season due to an adductor injury and recently landed on the injury report with Achilles soreness. However, he said he'll be good to go for the playoffs.

"Getting there," he said of his health. "We got a couple weeks before it's really time to go. By go time, I'll be ready."

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