Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs scored 22 points against the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
But that number could have been higher if it wasn’t for Gary Payton II.
Payton was tasked with guarding Wembanyama several times throughout the game and he made the rookie Spurs star sweat.
Following the game, he was informed that he’s just the fifth player to actually block a shot from Wembanyama this season.
Payton responded with a smile and by saying, “I’m probably the smallest.”
“I’m probably the smallest.”
GP2 on blocking Wembanyama pic.twitter.com/tny234nN3o
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) November 25, 2023
On a more serious note, Payton said that he was simply trying to help his team get stops and build defensive energy.
It was Payton’s first game back after an injury and he wanted to make an impact.
He definitely did just that.
One particular moment during the game got a lot of attention: Payton ran after Wembanyama and performed an impressive chase down block.
What made it all the more impressive is the size difference between Payton and Wembanyama: Payton is six-foot-two, while Wembanyama is seven-foot-four with an eight-foot wingspan.
But that massive gap between their heights didn’t stop Payton from swatting Wembanyama’s shot away.
When Wembanyama first entered the league, many wondered how other teams would limit him, especially when he is moving in transition.
At times, the French phenomenon seems downright unstoppable.
But Payton stopped him on Friday night and it was probably the most impressive block on Wembanyama all season.
The Warriors were definitely happy to have Payton back, particularly because of his strong brand of defense.
Right away, he put his defensive talents on display against the biggest and most talked-about rookie in the league.
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