https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/warriors/article/This-is-the-place-for-him-Warriors-Gary-17121826.php

DENVER — Warriors head coach Steve Kerr went to the infamous three-guard lineup five minutes into the first quarter in Golden State’s 118-113 win over the Nuggets in Game 3. When the team was outscored 14-7 over the next 2:30, Kerr subbed out Klay Thompson for Otto Porter Jr., and Andrew Wiggins for Gary Payton II.

In that moment Golden State needed a defensive spark. That’s been Payton’s role all season long. He’s the guy Kerr can always rely on at that end of the court. But Payton not only delivered defensively in Game 3, he also shined on offense, as he finished with 11 points on 4-of-4 shooting, all coming in the first half during a critical juncture.

Payton, 6-foot-3, was an NBA journeyman over his first six seasons in the league before finally finding a home with Golden State ahead of the 2020-21 season. Now in his second season with the Warriors, he’s gradually developed into more than just a role player.

This season Payton was among the league leaders in steals (he averaged 1.4 per game during the regular season) despite playing just 17.6 minutes a night off the bench, and he shot a team-best 61% from the field. His development should bolster his market value when he hits unrestricted free agency this summer, which is something the Warriors will have to address. But for now, Golden State is just pleased that Payton’s defense, versatility and timely shot-making has made him an X-factor this postseason.
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round Western Conference playoff series Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round Western Conference playoff series Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Payton had not played in a playoff series until this point. He’s been waiting for an opportunity to make an impact on the league’s biggest stage. Game 3 in Denver was the Young Glove’s first defining moment. And it was everything he hoped it would be.

“Just the intensity, the atmosphere, the level of play,” Payton said. “It’s just playoff basketball, I’ve been watching it my whole life. ... So just to be here, it’s crazy.”

The score was 22-22 when Payton checked in with 4:29 left in the first quarter. On the ensuing possession, Stephen Curry found him in the left corner where he knocked down his first 3-pointer. Minutes later Payton would pull down a tough defensive rebound over Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, then he sprinted the floor like an athletic forward and Curry found him again, this time for an easy layup to give the Warriors a 27-22 lead. Defensively, he played with his trademark effort.
Denver Nuggets forward Jeff Green (32) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round Western Conference playoff series Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Denver Nuggets forward Jeff Green (32) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round Western Conference playoff series Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski / Associated Press

In his first two minutes on the court in Game 3, Golden State outscored Denver 8-0.

“You notice when guys come in and what they do for the flow of the game, what they do for the energy of the team, and GP was all that tonight,” Draymond Green said.

The Warriors led 47-45 when Payton made his next appearance with 7:21 left in the second quarter. Over the next 4:30, he knocked down two more timely 3-pointers with the Nuggets choosing to sag off him and recorded a steal before exiting again with 2:51 left before halftime. And guess what? Golden State once again outscored Denver 14-7 over that span. The Warriors were plus-10 with Payton on the court during the game.

“It seems like every time we put him out there something good happens,” Kerr said.
Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson (95) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round Western Conference playoff series Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson (95) and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) in the second half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball first-round Western Conference playoff series Thursday, April 21, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
David Zalubowski / Associated Press

Remember how Payton got to this point. He went undrafted out of Oregon State in 2016. He then signed with the Rockets only to be cut a month later. He spent time in the G League. He signed numerous two-way and 10-day contracts with different NBA teams but never stuck for long. Then he finally landed with the Warriors. Now that Golden State is fully aware of the value can bring at both ends, Payton hopes he’s finally found his long-term home.

“I love Golden State,” he said. “I love the organization. They gave me my true opportunity and Coach Kerr saw it from the beginning.”

But right now Payton is just trying to stay in the moment, instead of worrying about his looming unrestricted free agency. He knows that as long as he continues to play at a high level, the business aspect will take care of itself. And even if he can’t agree on the right contract with the Warriors when that time comes, the rest of the league has been watching his growth.

“This is the place for him,” Kerr said. “We value what he brings to the team. He fits in perfectly with our roster. He’s latched onto his minutes and he hasn’t looked back.”