“I Love When the OGs Talk Spicy” – Kyrie Irving Responds to Gary Payton’s Fiery 90s Jab
In the ever-entertaining world of NBA trash talk, a generational clash just lit up the internet. Hall of Fame guard Gary Payton recently stirred controversy with a scorching hot take on Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving — one that reached deep into the playbook of 90s grit.
“I could’ve put my hands on him,” Payton declared on the Barnie and Rab Show, referencing the now-outlawed hand-checking rules of his prime era. “All that dribble, dribble sh**? I get it. But if I put my motherfu*** hand on you, make you go anywhere I want to and rip you, and I rip you all the time, that’s gonna be it. And I’m gonna pound-hound him.”
Translation? In Payton’s heyday, Irving wouldn’t have danced with the ball — he’d have been locked up, glove-style.
But Irving didn’t flinch. Instead, the modern maestro with one of the smoothest handles in NBA history hit back with a response dripping in cool confidence. Commenting on Basketball Network’s Instagram post of Payton’s quote, Kyrie said:
“lol I love when the OGs that I respect talk spicy. Makes our conversations better in person.”
Classy. Witty. A jab and a handshake all in one.
While Payton’s defensive dominance is undisputed — a Defensive Player of the Year and the backbone of the ‘96 Seattle Supersonics’ Finals run — Irving is cut from a different cloth. His ability to create off the dribble, shoot from anywhere, and thrive in an era of spacing and speed makes the hypothetical battle between the two a mouthwatering what-if.
Sadly, the NBA timeline never aligned — Payton had already hung up his sneakers by the time Kyrie hit the hardwood. Still, this exchange proves one thing: the passion between generations burns just as brightly as ever.
And if the conversation ever does happen in person? We’d pay good money to be a fly on that locker room wall.
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