Comparing Arvydas Macijauskas and Gary Payton Head to Head

Few NBA comparisons generate more debate than Arvydas Macijauskas vs Gary Payton. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Gary Payton takes 4 categories while Arvydas Macijauskas claims 3, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the SG position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.

Gary Payton's Steals Per Game of 1.8 compared to Arvydas Macijauskas's 0.4 represents a 350% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Gary Payton's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Free Throw %, where Arvydas Macijauskas posts 86.7% against Gary Payton's 72.9% — a gap of just 18.9%. Arvydas Macijauskas can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 4-3 tally suggests. In any debate, Free Throw % is the statistical ammunition for the Arvydas Macijauskas side.

In NBA history, backcourt players are judged on their ability to create offense for themselves and teammates alike. Points per game captures scoring but assists and efficiency metrics reveal the complete offensive picture.

The verdict favors Gary Payton — 4 categories to 3 — but Arvydas Macijauskas makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Arvydas Macijauskas has real statistical ammunition particularly in Free Throw % where the gap narrows to just 18.9%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.