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The crowd’s reaction to Elfrid Payton’s return to Orlando was much like the opinions fans had of him while he was with the Magic: mixed.
Some cheered. Some booed. Some probably didn’t care either way.
Payton returned to Orlando on Saturday to face the Magic for the first time since being traded right before the trade deadline buzzer in February. Payton’s stat line was similar to the numbers he would post regularly while with the Magic, and the results were the same, as well: he recorded 14 points, eight assists and five rebounds in a losing effort for his team.
For an occasion as such, we’ll let the tweets speak for themselves....
Elfrid Payton tribute video. pic.twitter.com/mOwWf7Cr9o
— O. Pinstriped Post (@OPPMagicBlog) March 24, 2018
Payton gets some Boos at the line. Responds by missing. pic.twitter.com/XgyIGArlD9
— O. Pinstriped Post (@OPPMagicBlog) March 24, 2018
— elfrid payton (@elfrid) March 25, 2018
My wife just noticed that Elfrid Payton doesn’t play for us anymore lol. She said “did the guy with the hair get fired because he sucked?”
— Carter Pewterschmidt (@JabTannen) March 25, 2018
It's strange to see Elfrid Payton in purple and orange, but there he is, on Amway Center's game court warming up for the Phoenix Suns. Video: pic.twitter.com/NPAHZQ1g6C
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 24, 2018
Well, looks like his hair is still playing face-guard defense.
— Daniel Cook (@DanielCook009) March 25, 2018
Elfrid Payton’s hair blocked Elfrid Payton’s free throw... #SunsAtMagic #Suns : @FOXSPORTSAZ pic.twitter.com/gSdFZXbmMp
— Jeff Jackson (@eyedocjeff) March 25, 2018
Always good to see @elfrid back in Orlando, pitting in Work! #orlandomagic #orlando
— Lee Now (@Gosurf911) March 25, 2018
Weird watching Elfrid Payton playing in Orlando but not for the Magic
— Chris Keels (@ChrisRahemKeels) March 25, 2018
Augustine had almost his first career triple double , it can only happen when you been guarded by Payton
— Kay Smith (@Kaysmith1234567) March 25, 2018
dj augustin getting the triple double in elfrid's return game would have been poetry
— ricky scricca ☕️ (@scricca1) March 25, 2018
Friends forever. pic.twitter.com/4AxPvLX7Gt
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 24, 2018
Apparently @EvanFourmizz is “OG Croissant” to @elfrid pic.twitter.com/TxkftBWhQ2
— Brandon (@MagicManBrandon) March 25, 2018
Tonight's @PapaJohnsORL Poll: Favorite @Elfrid Magic memory?
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 25, 2018
The Magic know Elfrid Payton's game better than any team, of course. It's no surprise that the Magic are going under on any pick-and-rolls in which Payton is running.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 24, 2018
Since the All-Star break, the Suns are a minus-206 in 398 minutes w/ Elfrid Payton on the floor ...
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) March 24, 2018
& a plus-9 in 274 minutes w/ Payton off the floor.https://t.co/cdUROCL2Iz
So fun to see former @Orlandomagic @elfrid play tonight! His hair just keeps growing! #PureMagic #BeatTheSuns
— TaraGidusCollingwood (@DietDivaTara) March 24, 2018
@elfrid Welcome back, I'll be there in your jersey supportin. Ball out and show them what they gave up
— Joe Pinto (@PintoBeans87) March 24, 2018
I will legally change my name to Elfrid Payton if we lose by 30 tonight https://t.co/nfuF83EoOk
— Stealthtanker no. 1 (@MagicVagberg) March 24, 2018
If ur feeling down on your favorite sports franchise always remember the Magics biggest game in 7 yrs was the return of Elfrid Payton when the suns came to town
— HBIII (@H_Brock7) March 25, 2018