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Stephen Curry picks out Warriors teammate who can fill in for Draymond Green

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Nov 25, 2025 12:42 PM ET

With Draymond Green sidelined, Stephen Curry was impressed by how one Golden State Warriors player stepped up and made an impact.

The win wasn’t straightforward, given the number of injuries Golden State were dealing with. Jonathan Kuminga’s unclear status added another layer of difficulty.

To make matters worse, the team was already missing Draymond Green after he picked up an injury against the Portland Trail Blazers over the weekend.

In Green’s absence, Curry noticed one player in particular who stepped up with a physical presence, reminding him of another Defensive Player of the Year.

Stephen Curry impressed by Gary Payton II’s role in win over Utah Jazz

After the Warriors’ victory over the Utah Jazz, Stephen Curry took a moment to single out Gary Payton II for his performance.

Curry made it clear that no one can really replicate Draymond Green’s influence, but he still praised how smoothly he and Payton II worked together during the game.

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“Me and GP have great chemistry. He’s a very unique player in terms of the opposing team matching up against him, pick-and-roll options, and off-ball actions,” Curry said.

“We just kinda know where each other is. When he’s shooting the ball and gets those open looks, it always helps,” Curry added.

“Nobody can do what Draymond does, but GP does in his own way with his athletic ability to get downhill, DHO, set good screens, and make defenses pay that way.”

Gary Payton II did the little things well vs. Utah Jazz

Gary Payton II’s numbers against the Utah Jazz were not groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination.

Payton put up 9 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and a steal while shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arc. His 8 assists set a new career-high for him.

With Draymond Green out, Payton II did a great job distributing the ball and ensuring that his teammates got open looks, while converting his own attempts at an efficient rate.

The Warriors will be hoping for similar and more consistent production from Payton II as the season rolls on, as he can be a big player for them.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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