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2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Elfrid Payton

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 23, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) passes under pressure from Portland Trail Blazers guard Shabazz Napier (6) during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) passes under pressure from Portland Trail Blazers guard Shabazz Napier (6) during the fourth quarter at Amway Center. The Trail Blazers won 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Best Game of 2017

March 8, 2017 vs. Chicago Bulls
22 points, 14 rebounds (6 offensive), 14 assists

Elfrid Payton had some real stellar games this season. Particularly as the season came to a close, Payton seemed to get on a role as he racked up triple doubles with regularity. His scoring also seemed to increase in some big games. But it was hard to align those with wins where he absolutely took over the game.

The Magic’s March 8 win over the Chicago Bulls was something more than Payton stuffing a stat sheet, which he had a tendency to do late in the season. This was a game where Payton took over and dominated himself while also keeping others involved.

Payton attacked the glass both with the ball and for rebounds as he ran circles around the Chicago Bulls. This game marked Payton’s fifth career triple-double and his second consecutive game with a triple double. Payton was joining in on the fun of the triple-double season.

The Bulls had control over the game early and Payton was able to bring the Magic back into it. He had to as he grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds and dished out a career-high 14 assists.

This was Payton playing at his absolute best, doing what he can do when teams give him space and a head start driving to the basket. He was smart attacking the basket and finishing near the rim, never settling for jumpers and keeping his head up for teammates.

Everything Payton could be and would become in the second half of the season was previewed in this game.