The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 104-93 in Game 3 of the Western Conference First Round on Saturday, April 26th.
After winning Game 1 at Houston, the Warriors were put in a strong position to steal home court advantage and advance to the semi-finals.
However, Jimmy Butler was injured in muscle conspiracy in Game 2 and ruled him out of last night’s contest.
Steve Kerr needed several Warriors players to step up outside of Steph Curry, and Gary Payton II was officially distributed.
Payton II was one of the Warriors’ most consistent role players in recent seasons, and was even part of the team that won the title in 2021-22.
He is best known for his solid defense and three-point fire. It’s not what he did in the end stage with the Rockets in Game 3.
He scored 11 of 16 points in the fourth quarter. This didn’t miss a single shot, including a nine straight from the Walliers.
Stephen Curry led with 36 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, but Warriors supporters were particularly impressed with Payton II’s performance and showed it on social media.
“Gary Payton with an incredible performance,” the fans said. “Lockdown to defense and score on attacks. Remember this when the warrior runs deep.”
Another post: “Stephen Curry uses the Rockets to support Gary Payton II’s strong side corners and you’re sending out the extra body, he’s making you pay.”
“Scream the cut to Gary Payton, rather than chucking every game three times,” he wrote. “That lane is always open as they sell out at Steph.
“GP2 was tonight’s hero. After the game, Dude will win a better game,” and “I don’t know why he’s not starting Podz. He’s working well with Steph,” two other popular comments.
Draymond Green was asked about Payton II in a post-match interview and explained that he would benefit from playing with Curry.
However, not all players learn to use the “gravity” of curry to their advantage, but Payton II has done it “for years.”
“He just really knows how to find his spot. He knows how to use Steph to get things for himself,” Green said.
“He’s smart. If you learn how to play with Steph, it makes the game much easier. So you can always pick them up and play great with Steph…
“Stef’s gravity against the court is unbelievable, so if you learn how to play it, it will put you in your advantage.