Payne logged 13 points (5-11 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, nine assists and one block in 32 minutes during Wednesday's 125-116 victory over the Timberwolves.
Payne returned to the starting lineup following a one-game absence due to a non-COVID illness. The lefty fell one assist shy of his fourth double-double of the season and continues to provide solid production in Chris Paul's (thumb) absence, though the veteran may be returning to action sooner than previously thought. Regardless, Payne has started 11 straight games and has averaged 14.1 points, 9.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 30.5 minutes during that stretch.