Warriors’ Gary Payton II hits LeBron with ‘I’m confused’ celebration after dunk
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Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II dunks on Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half of a Western Conference semifinal game, Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in San Francisco.
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II broke out an oldie but goodie after a dunk on Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James during Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
With the Lakers up by 8 in the third quarter, Dubs swingman Moses Moody pulled down a much-needed offensive rebound and kicked it to a streaking Klay Thompson, who then tossed a rare behind-the-back pass to Payton II. Despite a season full of injuries, Payton II still has plenty of hops. He showed as much, immediately elevating off the Thompson dish for a dunk over James, who jumped way too late.
The dunk was enough of a game-stopper to trigger a timeout by the Lakers. As Payton trotted away to the Warriors bench, he scratched his head — a curious response, unless you remember that Payton II used to routinely break out that celebration for Golden State.
As Payton II told NBC Sports Bay Area last May, the celebration is meant to signal confusion at his opponent. Like, what are you doing? “I’m just confused,” Payton said at the time. “It’s just confusing for me. … I’m confused why you guys keep jumpin’ with me.”
One person who wasn’t fazed after the Payton II dunk? His dad, Hall of Famer Gary Payton, who was in attendance at the Chase Center.
Tough to impress Dad.