The Warriors didn't waste any time in Game 5. In order to qualify as soon as possible, Cole started with the "New Death Five" lineup. However, the Warriors' final lineup is not the "new death five", and Kerr voted for a substitute guard, who is Gary Peyton II.
Payton Jr. gave the Warriors a devastating defense and provided some very critical offensive rounds that caught the Nuggets off guard. In fact, Peyton Jr. is the essence of the Warriors' series victory at chase center 102-98.
'He hit so many key balls and it was a night of his own. Thompson said.
"His defense in the fourth quarter was fantastic," Kerr said. "That's why I kept him on the court, but then he started shooting three-pointers and breaking through the box to complete the layup. I think he was an important factor in winning this game and he helped the team through the key moments. ”
At the start of the fourth quarter, the Warriors trailed by eight points. Cole sent Peyton Jr. to the field, where he shot all four, including two three-pointers. He has 3 assists and 1 steal. His plus-minus on the pitch is +10.
"He's incredible," Dream Green said. "He changed the game and it was great on both ends of the floor. Hit key shots, the defensive end is everywhere, and that's what he's been doing all season, a great defender, and now a great player. ”
"The help he's brought us on the defensive end has been remarkable," Curry said. 'Then when the opponent is defending us, Peyton Jr. will run around and use his speed to his advantage, which is a very useful way to attack.
Payton Jr.'s calm performance makes it completely unassuming that this is just his first playoff trip. And that was one of the factors that Cole decided to keep him on the pitch at the end of the game.
"That's basketball," Payton Jr. said. "We're just playing basketball and I'm going to play the right way, trying to play the smartest way possible. So, I'm really not nervous because I'm playing basketball with, great players. ”
There is no doubt that Little Payton is ready. He is 29 years old. He has been cut five times by four different NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors. He never gave up on his dream of playing in the league. In less than seven months, Payton Jr. was given the chance to be on the Warriors' final roster through his training camp performances, prove his abilities in the regular season, and become a member of the Warriors' final lineup in the playoff finale.
"He doesn't seem to be too worried about anything," Cole said. He found a sense of home in the Warriors. He always seemed comfortable on the pitch. Never seems overwhelmed. His defense is excellent and he is a very unique attacking player. But he's working really three-pointers and I think that's really been a big factor in his growth this year and he's capable of helping our team. ”
Cole was right. Throughout the season, Payton Jr. has been contributing to the Warriors. As you can imagine, the G5 battle without Payton Jr., the Warriors would probably lose at home.