Gary Payton II Blocks Shot From Victor Wembanyama Into Stands

During the first half of Friday’s Western Conference showdown between the Warriors and Spurs, one play stood out above the rest and had social media buzzing.

With San Antonio leading 46–41 in the second quarter, star Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama streaked toward the basket. After displaying incredible ball handling skills, the 7'4" big-man went behind the back and lofted a shot at the rim in what had the makings of a highlight-reel play.

But Warriors Gary Payton II came soaring in the air on the back side and swatted the shot out of bounds.

GP2 SWATS WEMBY 😱 pic.twitter.com/4DnpZIxr2r
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 25, 2023

Payton, who missed the team’s last three games with a sore foot, showed no signs of the injury getting up for the chase-down rejection. The 6'2" shooting guard blocking the much bigger Wembanyama had fans singing his praises.

One of the best "Friday Night Lights", 6'2" Gary Payton II blocked 7' 4" Victor Wembanyama during the@warriors @spurs game. @KPIXtv @SaraDonchey pic.twitter.com/rGNJ7oQ0IT
— vernkpix (@vernKPIX) November 25, 2023

GARY PAYTON BLOCKS VICTOR WEMBANYAMA

pic.twitter.com/hrpyiZmmDA
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 25, 2023

Gary Payton II gets the CHASEDOWN BLOCK on Victor Wembanyama 😲pic.twitter.com/brVSjEBJo6
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 25, 2023

No way Gary Payton II CHASEDOWN BLOCKED Victor Wembanyama 😲
pic.twitter.com/2wRw11ij53
— Kawhi’s Burner (@crossedcourt) November 25, 2023

GARY PAYTON II WITH THE CHASEDOWN BLOCK ON VICTOR WEMBANYAMA 😳 pic.twitter.com/szDCSAZU0f
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) November 25, 2023

GARY PAYTON CHASES DOWN VICTOR WEMBANYAMA 😱

This is a real post with a legit headline…#NBA #PorVida #DubNation

pic.twitter.com/SfBKgbix1T
— Court Side Heat (@courtsideheat) November 25, 2023

Wemby denied! ❌

Nice handles by Victor Wembanyama, but Gary Payton II with a great block!👏🏽pic.twitter.com/QrkkSHcOR1
— Opinionated Fan (@OpinionatedSF19) November 25, 2023