BOSTON — While the Celtics built up a massive lead on the Clippers courtesy of a historic second quarter, Los Angeles went on a run to at least make it a game. The C’s lead was cut down to 15 points late in the third quarter with plenty of time still left.
Then Payton Pritchard and the C’s bench crew checked into the third quarter with roughly four minutes left. Pritchard hit a couple huge 3s then Sam Hauser also hit a 3. By the end of the third quarter, the Celtics had a comfortable 21-point lead courtesy of some strong play down the stretch. Then they closed out the Clippers to improve to 15-3.
So while it was naturally the Kristaps Porzingis show in the Clippers win Monday, there were also other factors at play. Namely, Pritchard also had just his latest heater this season. The C’s guard poured in 20 points off the bench in 26 minutes, shooting 6-for-10 from 3-point range. He’s emerged as an early Sixth Man of the Year candidate and he showed why Monday.
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“It’s early in the season, but Payton’s been balling,” Jaylen Brown said. “He’s been a superstar in his role all season long. He’s always been a hardworking guy that shows up early, puts his work in. But now it’s like you’re really starting to see the growth. I think Payton could be significant on any other team. He accepts his role and he has been fantastic for it.”
Pritchard has been a major and pleasant surprise for the Celtics early this season. He’s averaging a career-high 14.8 points per game while shooting 42.6% on 3s. The confidence has always been there, but now Pritchard has the freedom to take those shots on a nightly basis with a consistent rotation spot.
It’s been a long process for Pritchard to earn this type of role. Just a couple seasons ago, buried behind multiple point guards on the depth chart, Pritchard wanted a larger part on a team elsewhere. But the C’s stuck with him and now they’ve been rewarded with one of the best value contracts in the league.
With Pritchard, it’s not just about the scoring, which he can do in bunches. But he adds to other areas of the game, whether it’s coming out of nowhere for an offensive rebound or picking up guards full-court defensively. Those things add up for his value. Plus, as he’s said before, he’s not chasing awards. He just wants to win games.
“It’s really out of my control,” Pritchard said of the Sixth Man of the Year award. “If I get voted for that and get that honor, that’d be incredible. But I’m not gonna chase it and try to go get stats. It’s more about playing winning basketball and if I’m fortunate to win it through that, that’d be a huge honor.”
