Gary Payton II dominates with stellar double-double, but this Warriors victory over Pelicans reveals their biggest problem without Steph Curry

Gary Payton II delivered a masterclass performance last week, recording his fourth career double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds as the Golden State Warriors narrowly escaped an upset bid from the New Orleans Pelicans with a 104-96 victory on November 29. In a game where Stephen Curry sat out, Payton’s aggressive cutting and Jimmy Butler’s versatile playmaking proved to be the difference-maker.

Payton’s Cutting Mastery Shifts Momentum

Gary Payton II established himself as a relentless threat through his aggressive cutting and positioning. Without Curry to space defenses, Payton’s willingness to attack the paint kept New Orleans defenders constantly rotating. His efforts on the boards translated into outlet opportunities that sparked transition offense.

Payton’s +13 rating in 25 minutes reflected his impact on both ends. His ability to relocate quickly and anticipate Butler’s drive-and-kick opportunities created scoring lanes. The Pelicans struggled to contain Payton’s fundamental approach, allowing him to finish through contact at the rim repeatedly.

Jimmy Butler Powers Third-Quarter Surge

Jimmy Butler III shouldered the primary offensive load with 28 points and orchestrated a 12-0 game-clinching run in the fourth quarter. His isolation game proved effective against New Orleans’ defense, which prioritized stopping cutting lanes over contesting his mid-range attempts.

Butler’s ability to create advantages for teammates elevated everyone around him. The Warriors outscored opponents by 7.1 points per 100 possessions when Butler played without Curry across 306 non-low-leverage minutes—an historically significant differential for any NBA squad.

Warriors vs. Pelicans Matchup Analysis

Fourth-Quarter Execution and Late-Game Defense

Golden State clamped down in crunch time, forcing New Orleans into difficult possessions. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 25 points but received insufficient scoring support from perimeter options. The Warriors’ switching defense frustrated New Orleans’ offensive rhythm, particularly in the final eight minutes.

Brandin Podziemski ignited Golden State’s late-game surge with critical contributions alongside Payton’s relentless attacking mentality. The Pelicans had multiple opportunities to steal the game but offensive struggles proved costly. Kevon Looney’s return provided Golden State with rim protection that New Orleans couldn’t overcome.

What This Performance Reveals About Payton’s Role Going Forward

Gary Payton II’s emergence as a secondary scoring threat changes how the Warriors operate without Curry available. His 1.50 points per cut efficiency (per Synergy tracking on a small sample) exemplifies the value of relentless movement. Other Warriors players must adopt similar aggressive mentalities to maximize the spacing Butler creates through his isolation playmaking.

The Warriors recorded their highest three-point attempt rate at 46.6% but converted only 36.3% (ranking 15th in the NBA). Payton’s example of cutting through traffic instead of settling for perimeter looks offers an alternative offensive identity. As Seth Curry and De’Anthony Melton return from injury, Golden State will have additional shooting to complement Payton’s dynamic cutting approach.

Watch: Game Highlights

Sources

• Golden State Warriors – Official gameday recap and statistics
• Golden State of Mind – Film breakdown and performance analysis
• Fantasy Pros – Player performance metrics and tracking data

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.