Tonight, Old Gary suddenly shook off the cobwebs and dust, contributing two critical goals at key moments.
With 1 minute and 33 seconds left before the end of the game, Wade's mid-range shot clanged off, and Yao Ming tapped the ball directly to the outside. Payton caught it and fired, helping the Knicks gain a crucial 6-point lead.
Then, with 47 seconds left before the game ended, Wade drew a double-team and passed the ball to Payton, who shot a three-pointer over Tayshaun Prince's long arms.
Payton didn't want to become the next quickly forgotten Karl Malone; this intense desire drove him to give his all in the game, even when losing possession and status.
In fact, Payton only scored 8 points throughout the game. That means, apart from these two three-pointers, Payton had only one field goal before.
But these two three-pointers were enough to give him the highest presence on the court.
After the game, Gary Payton raised his arm high and strolled around the court.
