{"id":21345,"date":"2025-12-04T21:59:38","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T01:59:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/gary-payton-ii-dominates-with-stellar-double-double-but-this-warriors-victory-over-pelicans-reveals-their-biggest-problem-without-steph-curry\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T22:00:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T02:00:09","slug":"97807-gary-payton-ii-returns-with-stellar-double-double-saves-warriors-from-upset-scar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/97807-gary-payton-ii-returns-with-stellar-double-double-saves-warriors-from-upset-scar\/","title":{"rendered":"Gary Payton II dominates with stellar double-double, but this Warriors victory over Pelicans reveals their biggest problem without Steph Curry"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Gary Payton II<\/b> shot an impressive 9-of-14 (64%)<\/b> from the field with three assists<\/li>\n
  • Warriors led 97-88<\/b> with 1:22 remaining<\/b> in a tightly contested fourth quarter clash<\/li>\n
  • This marked Payton’s season-high scoring output<\/b> in just 25 minutes off the bench<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Jimmy Butler III<\/b> also recorded a double-double to complement Payton’s dominant performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Payton’s Cutting Mastery Shifts Momentum<\/h2>\n

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

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

    Jimmy Butler Powers Third-Quarter Surge<\/h2>\n

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

    Butler’s<\/b> ability to create advantages for teammates elevated everyone around him. The Warriors<\/b> outscored opponents by 7.1 points per 100 possessions<\/b> when Butler<\/b> played without Curry<\/b> across 306 non-low-leverage minutes\u2014an historically significant differential for any NBA squad.<\/p>\n

    Warriors vs. Pelicans Matchup Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Category<\/td>\nStat<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Final Score<\/b><\/td>\nWarriors 104, Pelicans 96<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Game Date<\/b><\/td>\nNovember 29, 2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Venue<\/b><\/td>\nChase Center (Golden State)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Key Absences<\/b><\/td>\nStephen Curry (Warriors)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Fourth-Quarter Execution and Late-Game Defense<\/h2>\n

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

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

    What This Performance Reveals About Payton’s Role Going Forward<\/h2>\n

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

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

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    Watch: Game Highlights<\/h3>\n