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Gilbert Arenas Reveals “Underrated” Trick to Stop Kyrie Irving and James Harden, Hailing Gary Payton II

Published 11/19/2023, 11:21 PM EST

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Gary Payton was traded back to the Golden State Warriors last season, and their defensive map seemed to look a little different with him. One of the best defenders in the NBA and son of former DPOY Gary Payton, GP II is vital to the Dubs’ game plan. But what if an ex-player could spill the beans on how to be the best offensive player? Would Kyrie Irving and James Harden take it into account?

With some heated discussion on the best offensive players in the league, basketball enthusiasts take on the topic of how Gary Payton II is reading between the lines and can decode the play.

A secret recipe for Kyrie Irving and James Harden

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In the recent episode of ‘Gil’s Arena,’ the crew ensued a debate on some secret tricks that set the NBA superstars apart from the rest. Gilbert Arenas said, “Even with someone like Kyrie, you can tell he plays the game in combo mode, right? Once you figure out the combo, right there, Now you know every two dribbles means on the first dribble, attack the ball.” Compounding on his point, Arenas also slides into how James Harden contributes to the list as an offensive player. He added, “Same thing with James, like they have a rhythm that they place in. Once you figure it out, attack it.”

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Appreciating the on-point offense of Gary Payton II, Arenas is very quick to observe that the player is very efficient in reading the defensive opponent. Arenas mentioned how Payton II attacks the ball the moment it leaves the hand. Adding to the narrative, the host said, “As a great offensive player, you have to know the defense best.” According to the ex-Grizzly, one needs to ask questions to get more insights into how the opponent is blocking the ball time and again.

While the offensive player should watch the signature moves that the defense makes before making the basket, the defense will only get better when the players start asking questions.

Kyrie Irving and James Harden; best offense? 

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The Dallas Mavericks lost tonight’s game against the Sacramento Kings, adding another loss to their record. Dropping down to No. 5 in the Western Conference, the duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic may need to pay heed to Gil’s underrated secret.

Although Kyrie Irving and his team have one of the best offenses in the League, the two-dribble game might lay it out for the defense to read the next move. Following the same trend, James Harden is another offensive player, giving out the same hints of his next move to the defense. Coming off his first win with the Clippers, the star guard might alter his game.

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What are your views on Gil’s thoughts on defense? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Siddhanshi Sharma

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Siddhanshi Sharma is an NBA author at EssentiallySports. Her aspirations reach beyond writing, with dreams of becoming an analyst in the NBA world. To achieve this goal, Siddhanshi meticulously tracks and analyzes all the latest developments in the NBA, leaving no detail unexamined.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe