117-116, the Warriors won the Western Conference semifinals for the first time. Payton II was instrumental in his ability to cross the border, playing the role of defensive gatekeeper in the final quarter. Can limit the staring, Payton II can also assist teammates. In the scramble for rebounds, Payton II is also very hard, constantly grabbing rebounds in the frontcourt. On the offensive end, Payton II's ability to seize opportunities is also very strong. Throughout the game, Payton II had 8 points, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, and 6 rebounds, including 4 rebounds in the frontcourt.
In this game, Payton not only played the starter, but also became an important contributor to the win. But Payton II didn't burst out suddenly, and in the first round of the playoffs, he didn't lack a brilliant performance. In Game 2 against the Nuggets, Payton II played 14 minutes and scored 11 points, three rebounds and one steal. It was also efficient, with Payton II shooting all four of 3, including 3 of 3 three-pointers. In Game 5, Payton II had 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Also playing highly efficient again, Payton II 6-of-8, including 3-of-4 from three-point range.
The basis for the playoffs is that Payton II proved himself in the regular season and gained the trust of head coach Cole. In the regular season, Payton II played 71 games and averaged 7.1 points in 17.6 minutes of playing time per game. Shooting 61.6 percent from the field, Payton II's rebounds were also impressive, averaging 3.5 rebounds per game, including one in the frontcourt.
Having become a key player in the Warriors' rotation and occasionally playing the starting lineup, Payton II is counting on a foothold in the NBA. That's not an accomplishment for some players, but for Peyton II, it's a carp jumping dragon gate. Today, Peyton II has endured countless hardships and made unremitting efforts.
Peyton II was born into a prestigious family, and his father was the famous Gary Payton. Gary Payton was a top NBA guard, making the NBA's Best First Team twice, the NBA All-NBA Second Team nine times, and a regular on the NBA's Best Defensive Team. Known as a glove, Gary Payton also won the NBA championship and won the Olympic gold medal twice. Because of his father's influence, Peyton II was famous from an early age. Fame alone does not guarantee a smooth career, and Peyton II's NBA journey has been hit repeatedly.
When he entered the NBA, Payton II suffered a blow, and he lost the 2016 draft. The Rockets gave Peyton II a chance, but sent him down to the development league, failing to play in the NBA as a Rockets player. After that, whether in the Bucks, Lakers or Wizards, Payton II was a dragon runner, holding a trivial contract. It was also common for Peyton II to be cut off, and he had to work on often two-way contracts and 10-day temporary contracts.
At the beginning of entering the Warriors, Payton II was also a small role insignificant. In the second half of last season, the Warriors gave Payton II a short 10-day contract. Next, Payton II was again awarded a 10-day contract. After two 10-day contracts, Peyton II was able to officially become a member of the Warriors. However, Payton II's position is not stable, and he was cut by the Warriors before the start of the season.
Once again eliminated by the NBA, Payton II wasn't overly frustrated. According to him afterwards, he was ready to return to the Development Alliance. Struggling for a temporary contract in the Development League, Payton II was used to such a life. Being able to accept the dilemma calmly and work hard to change his fate is also the key to Payton II's frequent entry and exit in the NBA.
God will take care of those who work hard, and Payton II will be lucky. The Warriors gave Payton II another chance and he was able to stay in the NBA. Nor did he let the opportunity slip away, And Payton II worked harder than ever this time, and was able to play at a high level and become the Warriors' main player in the championship race. Such a Payton II, even if he can't stay in the Warriors in the future, can find a home in other NBA teams.