In 2021, Cameron Payne surprised the world by becoming an important part of the finalist Phoenix Suns. The point guard was practically out of the league when James Jones approached him during the 2020 quarantine interested in acquiring his services. His performance during the aforementioned playoffs ended up being more of an exception than usual, but since then Payne has become a somewhat relevant part of all the rotations he has inhabited (Suns, Bucks, Sixers). Yesterday was his moment again.
Payne had few chances in Philly's final games. In fact, he played just two minutes in the first playoff game against the Knicks. Last night, he took the field for the first time since the second quarter and one of the first balls he touched ended in a 3-pointer. The point guard would score two more goals before the final period began, finishing with 11 points and three assists. Fourth highest score by the Sixers.
“I'm one of those people who provides everything you need. Today we needed energy and you provided it.” He said After the win that made the series 2-1. “If I had been frustrated or angry, I probably wouldn't have done what I did today. “That's the way the NBA works.” Payne is right, and Nick Nurse probably hasn't changed much about his role in the team in the last 24 hours. And that's what the playoffs are about sometimes, that a good night from someone you least expect ends up ruining your plans. The Sixers won by eleven points.
(Cover photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)