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5 surprises key to Golden State Warriors’ success

By Evan Quarnstrom

Dec 23, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) gestures after shooting a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) gestures after shooting a three-point basket during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Golden State Warriors (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

4) Gary Payton II’s emergence

Gary Payton II, the son of the NBA legend who bares the same name, wasn’t even on an NBA roster coming into the season.

The Warriors snagged him at the last minute and still barely selected him to the final roster spot over Avery Bradley.

While criticized at the time, that move has ended up to be one of the best that the Warriors’ front office made in the offseason.

Payton has gone from out of the league to a key rotational piece for the Warriors.

His defense has been transcendental for the team, and his vertical spacing and outside shooting on offense have both been surprises and welcome complements on the offensive end.

His 1.3 steals and 38% three-point clip in only 16.6 minutes per game have added a new dimension to the team that they haven’t had: A scrappy, high-flying guard with a nice touch from deep.

No one saw that coming and he surely has been key to the Dubs strong play thus far.

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