Gary Payton II provides Warriors’ X-factor in successful return

A game two win may have sat atop the Golden State Warriors wishlist, but a successful return from Gary Payton II may have proved just as important in their quest for another NBA championship.

Fortunately for the Warriors, they got both.

Gary Payton II successfully returned from his left elbow fracture, recording seven points, three rebounds and three assists in the Warriors 107-88 win. 

Not only did Payton appear healthy in his first game back since game two of the Memphis Grizzlies series, but more importantly, he performed like someone capable of being a difference-maker as the series progresses.

Payton received a standing ovation as he returned to the floor, although his opening moment may not have inspired great confidence – he missed two free throws to start after a touch foul on Jaylen Brown bailed out a missed lay-up.

He soon put that behind him though, stroking an early corner three to arrest any fears of the elbow injury inhibiting his shooting motion. Much like Draymond Green, Payton’s impact can’t simply be measured by what shows up in the box score.

There’s no coincidence that the Warriors improved defensive performance came with the inclusion of Payton and the little over 25 minutes he played. It can’t be understated how good he is defensively, an aspect Zach Lowe referred to at the beginning of the season.

"“If The Mitten (Gary Payton II) got 1,000 minutes in the NBA, he would make an all defense team. He may be the best defensive guard in professional basketball, that’s how good that dude is defensively. He just does nothing on offense and never plays.”"

Payton’s since integrated himself into Golden State’s offense, primarily through smart cutting and incredible athleticism that allows him to rise and finish at the rim. He’s also an intelligent decision maker and passer, while also developing his outside shot to a competent level.

His inclusion is an invaluable addition to the Warriors and the variety of line-ups Steve Kerr can utilize.

They can now lean more into their defensive identity – someone like Jordan Poole now becomes a situational player whose minutes reflect his form in that particular game, rather than necessarily being guaranteed 25+ minutes.

It should also be noted that Payton’s return coincided with Andre Iguodala’s absence after his own return in game one. What happens to the Warriors rotation should Iguodala return to availability as the Finals continue?

Regardless, Payton was touch-and-go for the Finals, with his capacity as a productive player an even bigger question mark. But on the basis of game two, he may provide the defensive x-factor the Warriors desperately crave.