Fansided · Nov 26, 2025
Warriors finally vindicated for polarizing Gary Payton II decision
Utah Jazz v Golden State Warriors | Brandon Vallance/GettyImagesAs the Golden State Warriors got a much-needed win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night to eek back above a .500 record, head coach Steve Kerr made a seemingly strange decision with the starting lineup.
Veteran guard Gary Payton II, who had only averaged 10.8 minutes per game off the bench this season, got the start in place of the injured Draymond Green, and, although he certainly wasn't the team's most productive player, he provided everyone a reminder of what he does provide to the Warriors' rotation.