Knicks guard Elfrid Payton (6) drives against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, in Phoenix. Credit: AP/Rick Scuteri
PHOENIX — Just 77 minutes before tip, Elfrid Payton rushed down the corridors of Talking Stick Resort Arena, making his way into the visitors’ locker room and into the starting lineup.
On Friday morning, when the Knicks prepared to face the Phoenix Suns later that night, Payton was not with the team, home for the birth of his first child, a daughter.
Flying in alone later in the day, he made it, dressed quickly and got on the court to warm up as the Knicks attempted to extend their three-game winning streak.