The Boston Celtics returned to winning ways after blowing out the Miami Heat 108-89 on Monday, and Payton Pritchard was one of the game’s top players.
The one-time NBA champion did his damage off the bench again, putting up 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and five three-pointers while shooting 10-for-17 from the field. After the game, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra gave Pritchard his well-deserved flowers.
“This is an example of not something that’s overnight. Everyone wants instant gratification,” Spoelstra said via Taylor Snow of Celtics.com. “This guy’s been grinding and working year after year, and each year he’s gotten better, and then all of a sudden, he’s getting to this level where he’s in Sixth Man of the Year conversations. I think the skill set and the work ethic, that’s been there, and you just continue to get better and all of a sudden people start to notice.”
Payton Pritchard has recorded at least 20 points in four consecutive games. The former Oregon standout has also contributed nine outings with more than five made three-pointers, further strengthening his NBA Sixth Man of the Year case.
Boston Celtics were missing several players
The Boston Celtics were without Jrue Holiday (knee), Al Horford (toe), and Kristaps Porzingis (leg), but they didn’t skip a beat, as Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard led the way against the Miami Heat.
Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 29 points on 8-for-21 shooting from the field and 9-for-10 from the free throw line. Derrick White and Jayson Tatum also recorded 19 and 18 points, respectively.
The Boston Celtics are 17-4 this season, good for second in the Eastern Conference standings.
