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Celtics Discuss Payton Pritchard's Historical Performance in Regular-Season Finale
In the Celtics' 120-114 win over the Hawks on Easter Sunday, the hosts' three-point barrage propelled them past their visitors from Atlanta.
Boston buried 25/54 (46.3 percent) of the threes they hoisted. Mike Muscala, who finished with a career-high 27 points, went 4/7 from behind the arc. Sam Hauser, who matched his career-high with 26 points, knocked down 8/14 triples.
And then, there was Payton Pritchard.
The third-year guard put himself in elite company with a 30-point, 14-rebound, 11-assist triple-double.
Post-game, Pritchard called joining Larry Bird and John Havlicek as the lone Celtics to have a triple-double with at least 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists a "blessing" and says he "feels honored."
There's also this note from Celtics team reporter Taylor Snow about the former Oregon Duck's historical regular-season finale performance.
"Show the world what I'm capable of," Pritchard conveyed about seizing his opportunity with his team prioritizing load management, resting multiple starters in the season's final stretch.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed about Pritchard's performance, "It was great. The way his career's gone as far as playing time, not playing time, he's always handled it the right way."
"He has a competitiveness, and a professionalism, and a work ethic about him that you always trust him whenever he goes in," adding, "I'm really happy for him, and I have the utmost respect for him."
"Payton’s a gym rat," stated Hauser. "He works on his body every day. He’s just a hooper, and when he gets out there, it doesn’t matter if he’s hurt or banged up, he’s going to give you 100 percent effort. So, I really respect him for that, and, obviously, he’s a great player as well."
It also helps to have people like assistant coach Aaron Miles in one's corner. The latter's support throughout what's been a trying season is why Pritchard gave the game ball to Miles after receiving it.
While Pritchard's stuck behind Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Malcolm Brogdon on Boston's depth chart, he's worthy of being in a team's rotation. With those three on multi-year deals, his chance to do so might come elsewhere next season.
The Celtics have leaned further into two-guard lineups this campaign, but Pritchard's still behind Hauser in the rotation. So, as valuable an insurance policy as he is, with minutes hard to come by, his chance to do so might happen elsewhere next season.
A trade wouldn't guarantee him more consistent playing time, but that would likely be the outcome, while Boston could fortify its depth at the wing or center.
It's not easy to part with talented players, especially on rookie contracts, but if Pritchard isn't getting minutes with the Celtics and the picture isn't projected to change in 2023-24, a trade could prove best for both sides.
Further Reading
Brad Stevens Provides Update on Celtics' Star Jaylen Brown's Injured Right Hand
Nick Nurse Provides His Evaluation of Former Raptor and Newest Celtic, Justin Champagnie
Celtics Discuss Malcolm Brogdon's Sixth Man of the Year Candidacy
Joe Mazzulla Reacts to the Celtics Clinching the Two Seed in the East
Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'
