Warriors’ Gary Payton II gets shoutout from LeBron James for Game 5 performance

Apr 3, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Golden State Warriors took a chance on Gary Payton’s son. Payton, who was among the best defensive guards of his generation, had a fantastic career for the Supersonics. He was a 9-time All-Star guard and also elected to the Hall of Fame.

However, his son, Gary Payton II, hasn’t been as successful in the NBA, but he’s starting to find his place. After a short stint with the Warriors last season, Payton II was brought back instead of veteran guard Avery Bradley.

The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets, and LeBron James took notice of Gary Payton II’s tremendous impact in Game 5.

Payton II is older at 29, yet until this past season, he hadn’t played over 30 games in a season. He just wasn’t valued by many of the teams he found himself on. That changed this season as he became one of the Warriors’ most important bench players.

While some didn’t like the decision to keep Payton II over Bradley, it’s continuing to prove to be the right one. Payton II played a crucial role off the Warriors bench in their first-round series with the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets.

In 17 minutes per game, Payton II is averaging 6.8 points per game and shooting 71% from the field. Payton II’s Game 5 performance is what put him on notice from around the league, scoring 15 points and shooting 6-for-8 from the field.

That doesn’t even add in his defensive aspect as he’s arguably the team’s second-best defender. In his Game 5 performance, Payton II had 2 steals and a block. All-in-all, Payton II was stellar, and LeBron James took notice.

The Warriors are likely going to draw the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round, and there may not be a matchup in which Payton II could be more useful. Locking up Desmond Bane or Ja Morant will be of utmost importance.

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Payton II may not be able to completely tame either, but he could certainly quiet them. He’s that good, and he’s continuing to prove those that didn’t see his potential wrong. Expect a healthy dose of Payton II off the Warriors bench moving forward.