While offensive fireworks from Steph Curry and strong defense from Draymond Green has helped lead the Golden State Warriors to a league-best 18-2 record, dunks from Gary Payton II have also been a theme throughout the season.
In a must-see battle against the streaking Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, Payton II added another powerful dunk to his 2021-22 highlight reel.
With the Warriors building a run to tie the game, a steal by Jordan Poole gave Payton II a clean lane to the basket. Poole found his high-flying teammate on the fast break for an emphatic one-handed dunk. Payton II’s tomahawk spike tied the game up with just under two minutes remaining in the third frame.
Via @NBA on Twitter:
✈️ Gary Payton II liftoff on TNT ✈️ pic.twitter.com/anrzUhgpRY
— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2021
Despite a big dunk from Payton II, the Suns and their defense stole the show in the fourth quarter as they surged to a 104-96 victory over the Warriors. With a win on Tuesday, the Suns matched a franchise-best 17-game winning streak.
Payton II finished the contest with eight points on 4-of-6 shooting from the floor with seven rebounds, an assist and a steal in 16 minutes off the bench.
The Warriors will have a chance for revenge on Friday when the Suns make the trip to the Bay Area for a rematch at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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