In a recent NBA matchup, Gary Payton II brought some light-hearted mischief to the court as he playfully untied the shoelaces of Jordan Poole during a free throw attempt. The incident, which occurred while Poole was engaged in a stellar performance, scoring 38 points—including eight three-pointers—captured the attention of fans and players alike.

In an exchange following the game, Poole expressed his disbelief, playfully accusing Payton of the antics. “He might be lying,” Poole joked, questioning Payton’s intentions. Payton responded with a grin, emphasizing the fun nature of their rivalry. “It’s always fun playing against Jordan. We were together all summer, so it’s time to go to work, and I’m just messing around trying to have fun,” he explained.

While Payton’s act was clearly in jest, Poole didn’t shy away from acknowledging the physicality of their matchup. He candidly remarked about Payton’s defensive style, noting, “Gary be hacking, but I’ve been going up against him my whole career. I know how he plays.” The two players have developed a competitive rapport over the years, having trained together in the off-season.

Their playful banter, combined with the competitive spirit on the court, highlighted the camaraderie that often exists among players, even amidst intense competition. Fans enjoyed the spectacle, as the light-hearted moment stood in stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of an NBA game. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how their rivalry evolves both on and off the court, keeping fans entertained along the way.