Golden State Warriors: 3 key players off to a hot start in 2021-22

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with Jordan Poole #3 after he made a three-point basket in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chase Center on January 25, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Nov 5, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II (0) stands on the court during the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /

Golden State Warriors players off to a hot start: 3. Gary Payton II

Gary Payton II has not started a single game this season. He’s averaging just over 14 minutes per game. However, his contributions off the bench have helped propel the Warriors, particularly on the defensive end.

In his limited playing time, Gary Payton II is averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He’s hitting 69.6 percent of his shots, including 47.4 percent of his threes, although he’s struggling from the free-throw line (64 percent).

A typical box score for Payton shows him hitting a handful of shots while keeping turnovers to a minimum. He isn’t afraid to compete for rebounds, typically committing a couple of fouls while also reaching for steals. He hasn’t committed a turnover in his last six games and recently broke a three-pointer drought of two weeks.

Where Gary Payton II makes his largest impact is on the defensive end. In that way, “The Mitten” takes after his father, “The Glove.”

Payton has already accounted for 1.4 win shares this season, a career-high by leaps and bounds for the 28-year-old. Almost half of those win shares come on the defensive end, where Payton has 0.6 win shares in his pocket.

The Warriors are allowing 100.9 points per game this season, the second-best mark in the league. Payton’s hard-nosed defending off the bench and hot start to the year are a big reason Golden State finds themselves where they are.

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