Gary Payton II didn’t play during the opening game loss of the NBA Finals, but he was fully present when the Warriors beat the Celtics in Game 2.
Payton, who hadn’t played since a nasty elbow injury earlier in the playoffs, was activated before the Sunday victory. The 29-year-old logged 25 minutes, replacing Andre Iguodala in the rotation.
He was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field, connecting on a 3-point attempt. He also added three assists and three rebounds during the contest, and while on the defensive end of the floor, he had the tough assignment to guard Jayson Tatum. It was a great NBA Finals debut performance, worthy of the standing ovation that he received.
