The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a five-game losing streak against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, emerging victorious 136-119. Among the highlights was the defensive play of Gary Payton II, who had active hands in passing lanes and forced multiple Mavericks turnovers.
After the game, head coach Chauncey Billups was asked about Payton’s performance and had only glowing things to say.
Defensively, he’s just disruptive. You know, he’s disruptive, he’s like a little gnat. He just sticks to you the whole time and he’s got great hands and he’s physical, he’s smart as heck how he guards defensively.