(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors kept it close, but not close enough, on Friday night, as they were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks 108-106.
There were multiple strong performances off the bench in the loss, including from Gary Payton II, who scored 14 points.
Following the defeat, Payton spoke with NBC Sports about what he likes about this team and what he has learned from them lately.
“We’re just resilient. Guys go down, guys step up. From the top to the bottom,” Payton said.
He said that a recurring theme of the team is “Stay ready, be ready.”
“We’re just resilient. Guys go down, guys step up. From the top to the bottom.”
GP2 highlights what he’s learned about the Warriors over the last couple of weeks pic.twitter.com/kSooJ6aC8z
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 6, 2024
Payton has been a strong help in the second unit all season long, but once again injuries have gotten in his way.
He has played in just 42 games and has averaged 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists during that time, shooting 56% from the field.
As he mentioned, other players are willing to step up when there are injuries plaguing the roster, which is a huge help for the team.
That is especially true because several Warriors players have been hurt repeatedly throughout 2023-24.
Before Friday’s loss, the Warriors had won six games in a row and were looking much better in a number of ways.
They have put a little bit of distance between them and the Houston Rockets, meaning they will likely hold onto the tenth spot in the West and earn their spot in the Play-In Tournament in a few weeks.
With just five more regular season games remaining, the Warriors will try to go on another brief run and prepare themselves for their chance at the postseason.
Payton said the team is resilient and now it is time for them to prove just how resilient they are.
The post Warriors Veteran Sends Clear Message After Recent Loss appeared first on The Cold Wire.