NEW YORK (AP) — Washington coach Scott Brooks understands how difficult it has been for Gary Payton II to find a spot in the league since going undrafted three years ago.
The 27-year-old guard could hang around for a while if he continues to play the way he did Monday night.
Payton finished with 10 points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench to help the short-handed Wizards outlast the New York Knicks 121-115.
With almost half their roster out due to injuries, the Wizards had to reach out to the G League to grab an extra body even before they learned that Isaiah Thomas was going to be hit with a two-game suspension for entering the stands to confront a fan during Saturday night’s game in Philadelphia.