Payton Pritchard just keeps putting up productive games for the Celtics off the bench, this time in their win over the Wizards on Sunday. He filled up the box score, putting up 15 points, 11 rebounds and six assists as the C’s bench was huge in the victory.
Notably, it’s not just the sheer amount of production. Pritchard also shot 5-for-10 on 3-pointers — that means he’s made 101 3-pointers on the season. That mark ranks him second in the league, only behind Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards.
“Honestly, I feel like every year I just make a jump,” Pritchard told NBC Sports Boston after the game. “Just being all-around. Being a better rebounder, a better defender, a better passer, better patience in the pick-and-roll. I’ve gotten better off the dribble, off shooting from deep. Every year, I set my goals in the summertime and I try to accomplish them.”
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
Pritchard added just his latest data point to his Sixth Man of the Year run as he’s the early frontrunner for the award. He’s averaging 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the reigning champs, doing all his damage off the bench.
The recent talking points have been his all-around game where the 6-foot-1 guard can grab double-digit rebounds even if he’s not the biggest guy on the court. His 3-point shooting allows him to space the floor, but it also gives him more options if defenders close out too hard.
Pritchard has now scored at least 15 points in eight of the last nine games. The lone game he failed to cross that mark, he went scoreless against the Bucks. But he’s bounced back by averaging 21.3 points in three games since then. He’s also put up double-doubles in the past two games, doing so in different ways. Pritchard put up 10 assists against the Pistons then 11 rebounds facing the Wizards, all while providing that near-immediate scoring burst off the bench.
“Just him becoming a complete player,” C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said. “It’s not just the offense. It’s his rebounding. He takes the pressure off of (Jrue) Holiday and Jaylen (Brown), who are the primary guys that are matched up with the best players night in and night out. When he can do that and have another guy that can just take him out of his rhythm.”
