As the proverbial saying goes, one can only sharpen their skills by testing them against their peers. In the realm of expertise, challenging oneself against other experts is the crucible for improvement. On a Wednesday evening, Stephen Curry, the shining star of the Golden State Warriors, acknowledged Gary Payton II’s exceptional contribution.
Payton II, a defensive specialist, received effusive praise from Curry for pushing the boundaries of his defensive prowess during training sessions. This commendation came in the wake of Curry’s remarkable game-winning three-pointer executed with a flawless stepback, eluding the outstretched arms of Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox.
Curry expressed, “Gary said, ‘There’s no better defense than he plays on me in practice, so that was nothing.'” He shared these sentiments during the NBC Sports Bay Area broadcast after the Warriors’ thrilling 116-115 preseason victory over the Kings. This statement is particularly noteworthy, as it underscores the extraordinary on-ball defensive abilities of Gary Payton II.
Stephen Curry, often regarded as the greatest player in the history of the Warriors, rarely bestows such high praise. Curry has faced numerous elite defenders throughout his career, including formidable opponents like Patrick Beverley, Jrue Holiday, Andre Roberson, Matthew Dellavedova, Marcus Smart, and Derrick White in high-stakes postseason games. Therefore, Payton’s defensive prowess must be truly suffocating, according to Curry’s perspective.
Furthermore, this revelation adds an intriguing dimension to the Golden State Warriors’ decision to reacquire Gary Payton II in a trade last February, which involved sending James Wiseman, the second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, to the Detroit Pistons. It appears that Payton II brings a unique intensity to the team, elevating the performance of every member through his unwavering dedication during practice. This aspect has not gone unnoticed by the Warriors’ leadership, including head coach Steve Kerr and his associates, who are committed to pursuing their fifth championship in a decade.
