Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard applauded Gary Payton II’s amazing defense following Saturday’s 136-119 home win vs. the Dallas Mavericks (4 steals).
(via Portland Trail Blazers):
“He’s just so disruptive. It was one stretch where it was like three straight plays: I’m like, ‘This dude keeps stealing the ball. I’ve never seen somebody just keep stealing the ball.’ So I do think he plays with a lot of joy, and it makes sense. Coming from Golden State, I think they’re like the ultimate example of a team that just plays with joy. They play free, and it’s almost careless. It’s like, ‘Whatever. We might win. We might lose. We’re just gonna enjoy it.’ And I think he has that about him. I think that’s why he fit right in with Golden State, and I think he does bring that sort of joyous spirit to the team with him on the floor. You can feel that presence.”
