Hall of Famer Gary Payton was more than ready to watch his son return to the court in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.
After missing more than a month with a fractured left elbow he suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies, Payton made his first Finals performance on Sunday something to remember. Before the start of Game 2, his NBA legend father arrived at Chase Center to support him while donning an awesome shirt that showed Payton being guarded by his son.
"The Gloves" shirt featured his name in bold yellow font, showing a younger version of himself in his Seattle SuperSonics days, along with his son, who was donned in a Warriors jersey and guarding him.
The younger Payton was missing in action for Game 1 against the Boston Celtics despite already being cleared to return, which is something the elder Payton didn't appreciate too much.
Despite the elder Payton's concerns, his son played 25 minutes, hitting all three of his shot attempts and finished with a plus-minus of +15, as Golden State blew out Boston 107-88 to even the Finals at one game apiece.
Just like his father, Payton II specializes in defense, having a hand in keeping Jayson Tatum and Derrick White in check all night.
Payton II has had a breakthrough year with the Warriors in 2022 and has arguably proved that his effectiveness on the court on the defensive end will be a major factor in the Dubs winning another ring in the Steph Curry era.
Much like he’s locking down his father in that shirt, Payton II will look to make a name for himself on the NBA’s biggest stage and can do something it took his father nearly 17 years to accomplish, win an NBA title.
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