Payton Pritchard lighting up the court in Celtics’ 4-0 start

By Alexandria Evans
The Celtics have started their season in the best way possible, with a 4-0 record and no sign of slowing down. Jayson Tatum and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, have both been averaging over 20 points, while Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Derrick White have also been playing their parts, averaging 13 points, 10 points, and 18 points respectively.
However, a certain role player has stolen the show so far this season with his outstanding performance. Hot off the bench is forward Payton Prichard, averaging 16 points and nearly 50% from deep. The 26-year-old forward has been key in Boston’s early season success – lighting up the court in his most recent games.
Despite starting the season with only three points in the Celtics’ opener, Pritchard immediately bounced back, and has only gotten better, with 15 points in game 2, 19 points in game 3, and 28 points in the team’s recent win against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Not only does he just look good – he’s breaking records while doing it. On Monday, Pritchard became the first Celtics’ player in franchise history to record five three-pointers coming off the bench, in three consecutive games.
Pritchard’s performance has garnered praise from both his head coach Joe Mazzulla, and Bucks head coach, Doc Rivers.
“He’s a purest competitor, and so I really appreciate that about him.” Mazzulla said.
Rivers referred to him as a “little tough dude” and a “…little pest that gets under everyone’s skin. He’s gritty, smart, but he’s talented… He knows how to play basketball.”
Pritchard has certainly been a momentum shifter and a piece of the team that opponents ought to start taking seriously.
The C’s lace up again tonight against the Indiana Pacers.