Payton Pritchard has been on a remarkable journey this season as he transitioned from a starting point guard to a valuable asset off the bench for the Boston Celtics. After starting the first 48 games of the season—an unprecedented opportunity for a player who had only started 17 of 347 career games prior to this—Pritchard demonstrated his potential before the Celtics made a significant trade.
The Celtics dealt Anfernee Simons to the Bulls, which created a gap in their bench lineup, lacking a guard capable of reliably generating shots. To address this, head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to return the defending Sixth Man of the Year to his prior role, offering Pritchard a chance to shine in a new context.
Since shifting to the bench, Pritchard has flourished, averaging 21.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in his last five games. His performance has been nothing short of impressive, scoring 20 points or more in four of those matches and consistently logging over 30 minutes on the court. This significant uptick in productivity speaks to his confidence and ability to adjust to his new responsibilities.
It seems that the change in role has allowed Pritchard to play with greater freedom. When he enters the game, he often gears up to create offensive plays, typically paired with fellow players Derrick White or Jaylen Brown who are also stepping off the court. He effectively capitalizes on the opportunities that arise, often finding himself matched up against less formidable defenders and unleashing accurate shots, including a remarkable 40% success rate from beyond the arc during this stretch.
Pritchard conveyed his adaptability in an interview following a Celtics win against the Mavericks, stating, “I can start, I can come off the bench, it don’t matter. Just what the team needs, being killer in my role. That’s what it takes.”
His performance in the Celtics’ recent dominant win over the Bulls showcased his skills, as he scored 26 points, accompanied by 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Pritchard reveled in attacking favorable matchups, illustrating his strategic playstyle with a signature step-back shot that has proven effective throughout the season.
Whether his success can be attributed to increased confidence, strategic opportunities, or simply favorable shooting luck, one thing is clear: Payton Pritchard has become an integral part of the Celtics’ lineup since his move to the bench. As the Boston Celtics pursue their goals this season, Pritchard’s outstanding contributions will be crucial to their success.