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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Frankie Taddeo

Gary Payton II Blocks Shot From Victor Wembanyama Into Stands

Victor Wembanyama Gary Payton II Gary Payton Western Conference Spurs Warriors GP2 (Organization) San Antonio

During the first half of Friday’s Western Conference showdown between the Warriors and Spurs, one play stood out above the rest and had social media buzzing.

With San Antonio leading 46–41 in the second quarter, star Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama streaked toward the basket. After displaying incredible ball handling skills, the 7'4" big-man went behind the back and lofted a shot at the rim in what had the makings of a highlight-reel play. 

But Warriors Gary Payton II came soaring in the air on the back side and swatted the shot out of bounds.

Payton, who missed the team’s last three games with a sore foot, showed no signs of the injury getting up for the chase-down rejection. The 6'2" shooting guard blocking the much bigger Wembanyama had fans singing his praises.

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