The Golden State Warriors are playing quicker, guarding more effectively, and benefiting all over the floor from using more athletic lineups. Giving the Dubs even more motivation as those events fuel their midseason comeback? With Gary Payton II on the sidelines since early January owing to a hamstring ailment, Golden State has found its new identity.
In the highly anticipated Warriors game on Saturday against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and the Phoenix Suns, Payton is expected to make his comeback. Payton will “definitely be on the floor” at Chase Center to face the Suns’ renowned Big Three, but he will play with an unofficial minutes restriction as he gets back into the NBA after missing the previous five weeks of action, Steve Kerr told reporters prior to the game.
When the Warriors take on the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and others on Saturday, Payton is expected to make his comeback. In order to give Payton the opportunity to face the Suns’ renowned Big Three, Steve Kerr informed reporters prior to the game that he will “definitely be on the floor” at Chase Center. However, Payton will play with an unofficial minutes restriction while he gets used to playing in the NBA after missing the previous five weeks.
When asked how Payton’s skills fit into the Warriors’ new offensive scheme, Kerr nearly said to ClutchPoints that the “6’3 power forward” is a perfect fit for his group.
“Our defense is now stronger. Regarding Golden State’s recent performance, Kerr remarked, “We’ve played with more pace, we’re attacking the rim a little bit more.” Gary is an intriguing player since, in certain aspects, he resembles a 6’3 power forward. We’ll use him in specific lineup combinations because he is somewhat lineup dependent. However, we really want him to continue doing what makes him so good—creating steals, deflections, diving to the rim, and finishing around the hoop. And as I mentioned earlier, those things kind of fit into our previous way of being. We’re having fun with
