LOS ANGELES — The Warriors will trot out their third completely different beginning lineup in 4 video games towards the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gary Payton II, who has been largely out of the rotation within the first three video games, will get the beginning nod alongside the usuals — Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Inexperienced at heart.
With all of the game-to-game changes, issues have modified now. The Lakers adjusted of their Recreation 3 win by having Austin Reaves defend Curry and Jarred Vanderbilt defend Inexperienced which, in essence, restricted the pick-and-roll alternatives for the Warriors. Beginning Payton may be the Warriors’ defensive counter by limiting D’Angelo Russell’s scoring alternatives; Russell scored 13 factors within the first quarter final sport.
“Clearly his protection is superb,” coach Steve Kerr mentioned. “He performs like a giant however he strikes like a guard and finishes properly. He can knock down 3s, has large sport expertise, too. So we belief him.”
Golden State began Kevon Looney in Recreation 1, however when Looney fell ailing shortly earlier than Recreation 2, Kerr opted to begin JaMychal Inexperienced in his place. That transfer paid off within the Warriors’ win, however Inexperienced struggled in Recreation 3 because the Warriors acquired blown out and led many to count on one other transfer forward of Recreation 4.
Payton, 30, is averaging 11 minutes per sport this collection, however has made his presence felt on the defensive finish towards each Laker from Russell to Anthony Davis.
His minutes fluctuated towards Sacramento, the place Payton performed greater than 20 minutes per sport within the first two losses, was inactive for his or her Recreation 3 win and averaged 12.4 minutes per sport within the last 4 video games.
The Warriors re-acquired Payton at this yr’s commerce deadline from the Portland Path Blazers in a three-team deal that despatched James Wiseman to the Detroit Pistons. A key a part of their championship run final yr, Golden State introduced him again for his high tier level of assault protection and familiarity with the Warriors’ system.