Cam Payne: Enjoying Wearing the Efes Jersey in EuroLeague

Cameron Payne has played on the NBA's biggest stage. Yet he openly says he is also enjoying himself in Istanbul.

The American guard led his team to victory in the first Istanbul derby Anadolu Efes won against Beşiktaş. Payne scored 22 points in Week 7 of the EuroLeague and also scored the first 11 points of the fourth quarter himself. With this win, Efes moved to 3-4, matching Beşiktaş's record.

Speaking after the game, Payne thanked his teammates and the fans. Beşiktaş had been 21 points ahead at halftime and entered the final quarter with an eight-point lead. Payne's offensive surge allowed Efes to take control of the game again.

Payne said the derby was very competitive. The player, who said he loves the atmosphere, expressed his wish for the team to keep going this way. He reminded everyone that he played in the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns, one of the highlights of his career. However, he also said he finds his current period especially valuable.

Asked whether this period is better, Payne answered with a smile. He stressed that he has a big role on the team and plays a lot, and said he is having fun here.