In fact, it's not just Gary Payton who feels this way; most players who faced Roger this season felt that his defense was exceptionally tenacious. It was already tough before, but this season it's particularly so!
Facing Roger's defense is like Stallone in "Rocky III" when he first clashed with the main villain, Clubber Lang, mumbling fearfully in the corner, "I can't shake him off!"
Look at how Chauncey Billups couldn't even release a critical shot when facing Roger's defense against the Pistons.
And in the match against the Pacers, see how Paul Pierce was lost on the court at a crucial moment because of Roger's defense.
Now in his 11th professional season, Roger is willing to devote more energy to defense because last season the team's defense was really poor, making him realize he had been too well protected by excellent defensive players inside.
