The Boston Celtics sit atop the NBA standings for many reasons. They are No. 3 in offensive and defensive rating and No. 1 in Net rating. On top of that, the team has contributors from one to 12, including backup point guard Payton Pritchard.
Pritchard averages nearly 21 minutes this season, the highest of his four-year Celtics career. However, with a lineup that includes Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, Pritchard’s minutes are scraps compared to his more high-profile teammates.
With that being said, Pritchard doesn’t even flinch and has always shown a wonderful attitude. Here’s an excerpt of Pritchard’s interview in the victory over the Houston Rockets last January 13. Young hoopers, take notes.
This is so great
Young hoopers, take notes
“I don’t ever look it at like garbage time. It’s an opportunity for me to hoop… everybody is an NBA guy, at the end of the day. This is top level basketball here.”
(Via @NoaDalzellNBA 🎥)
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) January 15, 2024
“I don’t ever look it at like garbage time. It’s an opportunity for me to hoop. You know, I’m not in there for the first or third quarter, so that is my time. I don’t look at it like that. I mean, everybody is an NBA guy at the end of the day. This is top-level basketball here.”
Payton Pritchard on playing in blowout situations
The Celtics led throughout the game, leading to the “garbage time” question by the reporter. However, as Pritchard pointed out, he simply wanted to hoop and take advantage of the opportunity. If you call that garbage time, then you have to adjust that mentality.
The Rockets game was one of the best the Oregon product has played this season. He finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 19 minutes. He also hit 70 percent of his shots from the floor and went three-of-six from deep.
Pritchard’s playing time may fluctuate depending on how close the game is. Nevertheless, the Celtics can always lean on their young backup point guard to hold the fort down without the starters. After all, Boston needs all hands on deck if they want to make the championship predictions come true.
And, don’t ever forget the guy scored 92 points in a Portland Pro-Am. 92 points is 92 points, no matter where you scored it.
