Boston, MA April 22, 2025
The Boston Celtics playoff run has been full of exhilarating performances from star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Yet, one player who continues to fly under the radar but has been crucial to their success is Payton Pritchard. As the team gears up for the second game of their playoff series against the Orlando Magic, Pritchard has made waves with his remarkable performance in both the regular season and the postseason.
This season, Pritchard has shown the basketball world that hes more than just a reliable backup guard. The 27yearold former Oregon Duck, known for his sharpshooting and unyielding work ethic, has established himself as one of the best bench players in the NBA. Pritchards breakout year has earned him a welldeserved nomination as one of the three finalists for the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year Award, which recognizes the leagues most impactful bench player.
The Sixth Man of the Year Finalist
Pritchard has been a force to be reckoned with off the Celtics bench, playing an instrumental role in Bostons offensive success. Averaging 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the 202425 season, Pritchard has been the driving force behind the Celtics second unit. His ability to space the floor, hit clutch shots, and create plays for his teammates has made him indispensable to head coach Joe Mazzullas system.
Pritchards threepoint shooting has been particularly notable this season. Ranking fifth in the league with 255 made threepointers, hes become one of the most prolific longrange shooters in the NBA. His proficiency behind the arc has provided the Celtics with an additional weapon to complement their star players. Whats more impressive is Pritchards consistency, having hit a remarkable 40.7 of his threepoint attempts and boasting an overall shooting percentage of 47.2 from the field.
Playoff Clutch
The postseason has brought out the best in Pritchard. In Bostons dominant 10386 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 1 of the firstround series, Pritchard made his presence felt. He dropped 19 points, shooting an impressive 75 from the field 6for8, including 4for6 from threepoint range. His allaround game also saw him contribute three assists, showcasing his ability to impact the game in various ways.
Pritchards defensive tenacity also continues to impress. Known for his pesky onball defense, hes often tasked with guarding some of the oppositions best players, using his quickness and hustle to make life difficult for his matchups. His ability to stay active and force turnovers has helped the Celtics in critical moments.
The Celtics XFactor
While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the obvious stars of the team, Pritchard has proven to be a crucial Xfactor in the Celtics quest for another NBA championship. His consistent scoring, playmaking ability, and defensive intensity make him a versatile asset for Bostons deep roster. Coach Joe Mazzulla recently praised Pritchard for his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Paytons a gamer, Mazzulla said. He finds ways to contribute and is one of the best threelevel scorers for his size. Hes also an incredible competitor, especially on defense.
Pritchards ability to perform under pressure is another reason he stands out. As the Celtics push toward the playoffs, his reliable shooting and defensive contributions will be vital in ensuring that Boston has a strong bench presence throughout the postseason. His energy and professionalism have made him a fan favorite in Boston, with many seeing him as a key figure in the teams championship aspirations.
Looking Ahead
With Game 2 of the CelticsMagic series set for April 23, 2025, all eyes will be on how Pritchard continues to elevate his game. His ability to come off the bench and provide an offensive spark, especially with the absence of Jayson Tatum due to a wrist injury, will be crucial for the Celtics. With the series tied at 10, Pritchards performance in the coming games could very well determine Bostons success in the postseason.
As the Celtics continue their playoff journey, Payton Pritchards emergence as a Sixth Man of the Year contender and postseason standout solidifies his status as one of the most important players on this deep Celtics roster. Whether hitting key shots, making defensive stops, or creating opportunities for his teammates, Pritchard has proven that hes ready for the spotlight. With his continued growth and impact, the Celtics are in a strong position to challenge for the NBA title once again.