After getting demolished 131-94 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Golden State Warriors had to bounce back quickly against the Utah Jazz less than 24 hours later. Following 48 minutes of game time, the Warriors pulled out a 123-114 win, regaining their momentum.

Gary Payton II pointed out the key difference between the two games in his postgame press conference.

"30, 2-3, and 10."

Even though "2-3" — Draymond Green — was ejected in the second quarter, both Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler donned their capes and led the Warriors to a much-needed get-right win.

Payton was asked in his presser what it's like to be on the court while Curry is on one of his "Curry Flurries" — the two-time MVP scored 20 points in the third quarter, extending an NBA record with his 45th 20-point quarter. 

"(It's) easy. Get him the ball, let him work. If he wants a screen, he'll point at you. Come set it, get out of the way. Simple."

Curry averages nearly 29 points per 36 minutes when he and Payton share the court, and despite Payton's 6'2 frame, his elite athleticism provides a sound match as the roll man for Curry's pick and rolls.

It's an offensive scheme that Curry emphasized in his own postgame press conference, as he talked about picking apart the Jazz with pick-and-rolls that allowed Curry to either find good shots for himself or set up guys like Payton for easy attempts.

Payton also discussed how he can impact the game within his role and what he brings to the Warriors day in and day out.

"(I try to be) that spark off the bench. Get in, get my guys open, give them space to work, and just be an outlet for them if they get in trouble. It would help if I could make some layups, but other than that, just bringing energy and effort off the bench."

In his 10th year in the NBA and 6th with the Warriors, Payton has carved out a nice role as a defense-first player that can operate as a serviceable slasher, especially with the attention that Curry commands.

Though Payton is averaging just 4.4 points this season — his lowest mark since he started getting real minutes in Washington back in 2019 — he continues to shoot over 50% from the field and provides solid rebound and assist numbers in his minimal minutes.

Payton's spot in the rotation has been up-and-down throughout the season, but he continues to be an important player to this team, even from the bench.