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<\/p>\nThe Golden State Warriors were able to push aside the young and feisty Houston Rockets in Game 7 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday. Now, they will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals.<\/p>\n
Like the Rockets, the Timberwolves will bring a sizable frontline and one of the NBA’s best defenses. Unlike the Rockets, however, the Timberwolves have a legitimate superstar in Anthony Edwards, a man who can win games almost by himself at times.<\/p>\n
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Guard depth will be key for the Warriors in round two. Gary Payton II didn’t play in Game 7 due to an illness, and he is reportedly listed as questionable for Game 1 versus Minnesota on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Perhaps Payton isn’t an overbearing defender. However, he can provide some scoring punch off the bench, and he seemingly has pogo sticks for legs.<\/p>\n
Part of Golden State’s strategy to contain Edwards will likely have to be to go at him when he’s playing defense. That means multiple men, including Payton, will have to chip in and be in attack mode.<\/p>\n
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Oct 25, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) react to a foul against the Utah Jazz at the end of the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images\u00a9 Rob Gray-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Payton averaged 6.5 points in 15.0 minutes a game and shot 57.4% from the field during the regular season. In Game 3 against the Rockets, he made seven of his nine field-goal attempts and scored 16 points in just 21 minutes as Golden State took a 2-1 series lead with a 104-93 victory.<\/p>\n
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The 32-year-old was a key contributor off the bench when Golden State won its most recent NBA championship during the 2022-23 season.<\/p>\n