NBA FINALS: CELTICS VS. WARRIORS

June 5, 2022

Gary Payton

Golden State Warriors

Game 2: Postgame

Warriors 107, Celtics 88

Q. You've talked about how much you wanted to get back on the court after being out for a month with injury. What was like to be here in your first NBA Finals?

GARY PAYTON II: It was amazing. I was itching to get out there. I was in the tunnel just walking back and forth, pacing, waiting for Coach to call me. He kind of pump faked me at first for a little bit, got me going. But after I got on the floor, I kind of calmed down and settled in.

Q. What were the emotions the last couple of weeks just being out, having to watch the team from the sidelines, wishing you're out there and knowing you're one of the best perimeter defenders and knowing you could be affecting things? Were you chomping at the bit?

GARY PAYTON II: It was frustrating, knowing that I could come out there and help my teammates. It's been frustrating since the injury. Last week I knew I was very close, so it was just anticipation and just antsy, ready to get out there.

Q. What was the look in Draymond's eyes like tonight? Seemed like he was more engaged and yapping at everybody. How much did that set the tone for everybody?

GARY PAYTON II: Absolutely. We knew our backs were against the wall. We couldn't go into Boston being down 2-0. He lit the fire under us, as this whole season. He lights it and everybody else follows, and tonight was one of those big nights that everybody responded.

Q. Did it hurt when you fell on that transition?

GARY PAYTON II: No. No.

Q. Did you fall on the left elbow?

GARY PAYTON II: I tried to tuck and roll best I could.

Q. Does the elbow hurt when you're out there playing?

GARY PAYTON II: No. Adrenaline. Just going.

Q. How about the three from the corner? How much have you been able to shoot the last couple of weeks?

GARY PAYTON II: Quite a lot. Looks pretty good, doesn't it?

Q. You hit it.

GARY PAYTON II: There we go.

Q. What was the difference between the team's intensity in terms of like closing out and defense on the perimeter compared to Game 1?

GARY PAYTON II: Just energy and effort. We were kind of soft in the first game, and that was our emphasis coming out this game and just being aggressive and playing the Warriors basketball we know how to play and being on defense, locked into our assignments and knowing our personnel.

Q. What did your dad tell you about playing in the Finals? Did you have any discussions with him about that?

GARY PAYTON II: Absolutely not. I seen him when I checked into the game. He was over there in the corner with Detlef. He just shook his head, and I said, "Yeah." I know that means it's time. You know, go to work.

Q. No discussion?

GARY PAYTON II: No discussion.

Q. Steve said that Steph doesn't really get enough credit for what he does on the defensive end. Curious if you agree with that and how much he impacts the game on that end from your perspective?

GARY PAYTON II: Steph is a two-way player. He does a lot on the other side, but he does a lot on the defensive side, too. He's in the right spots at the right time. He had, what, three steals tonight. He's just in the right spot at the right time. And he talks to his teammates, he's vocal. And he leads by example on both sides of the court. I guess guys don't see it, but we see it on this team for sure.

Q. Speaking of that, toward the end of the game, the two of you were standing on the court, had towels over your head talking. Wondering if you could share what was going on in that little moment with Steph?

GARY PAYTON II: I was just asking him how his golf swing was (laughter). Yeah, that was about it. He says it looks pretty nice, so you guys might want to check that out.

Thanks, guys.