Golden State Warriors: 3 Christmas wishes for remainder of season

By Tony Pesta | Dec 16, 2021

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates against the New York Knicks during their game at Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2021 in New York City. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Continued success for Gary Payton II

The biggest surprise of the season for Golden State has to be the emergence of Gary Payton II. Few expected him to earn the final roster spot over veteran Avery Bradley and almost no one predicted Payton would become a key piece to the team so quickly.

Payton is a legit rotational player now. He was utilized in crunch time to break up the Indiana Pacers’ final shot at defeating the Dubs and wound up with the game-clinching stop on Caris LeVert.

The Warriors have enjoyed Payton’s prowess on the perimeter. He’s a massive disruptor whose quick-twitch athleticism allows him to dart into passing lanes and poke the ball loose from unexpecting ball handlers.

Above all else, he is doing everything right offensively. Payton has great instincts for cutting to the basket and has been on the receiving end of some thunderous alley-oop plays.

GP2 is averaging 6.3 points on 63.8 percent shooting from the floor, a trend we hope continues throughout the season.

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