<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">That help Gary Payton said Dwyane Wade needed in order to survive the season was provided by Payton himself. Payton scored a season-high 21 points in 46 minutes of the Heat's 104-101 overtime win against the Wizards, including a crucial three-pointer when the Heat was trailing by four points in the final minute of regulation. The season-best showing followed a 13-point game in Friday night's loss to the Nuggets, both games Payton started in place of the injured Jason Williams. ''Gary, he's been shooting the ball just as good as anybody of late,'' said Wade, Payton's backcourt mate. ``He told me early in the season it was going to take a while to get his legs under him. Now he's getting them, and he's playing well. He's playing 46 minutes and still playing well. ``That's not bad for an old man.'' Payton, 36, said after the Heat's loss in San Antonio last Wednesday that Wade couldn't carry the team alone, and that someone would need to help the third-year guard if he was going to make it through a full season. Now that he is more comfortable in his role with the team, Payton believes he can be an outlet for Wade. ''Now I'm getting my legs and [Coach] Stan [Van Gundy] has given us a lot of rest,'' Payton said. ``I'm focusing a little bit more and just trying to play.'' Van Gundy said Payton's poor shooting percentage at the beginning of the season was a result of Payton settling for being a spot-up three-point shooter as he was finding his way in the offense. ''Now he can find his game,'' Van Gundy said. ``He's just sort of coming back to his level as a shooter.'' However, Payton is still taking the three-pointers that are available to him, and a huge one presented itself late in regulation Sunday. With the Heat trailing 95-91, Wade penetrated and found Antoine Walker on the perimeter, and he then shoveled a pass to Payton in the right corner. Payton knocked down the big three, getting the Heat within a point, which Shaquille O'Neal later scored on a free throw to send the game to overtime.</div> Source
I think Jason Williams and Jason Williams is one of the best point guard combos in the league if not the best. Even at 36 Payton is a very good player in the league and he still has a place in it. Payton and Wade is a good backcourt to have in the game for the heat at the same time. Compliment each other well IMO.
