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Boston Celtics reserve guard Payton Pritchard showed out on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks. Delivering a massive 30-point triple-double in the final game of the season, Pritchard helped his team notch a win as well.
The Boston Celtics have been heavily inconsistent in the final stretch of the 2022-23 season. However, with 50+ wins in the season, the C's were coasting towards a spot in the playoffs.
In the final game of the regular-season, the Celtics were due to face off against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics went into this game with good momentum. However, with the entirety of the main cast being rested, Boston faced some road blocks.
Fortunately, reserve guard Payton Pritchard stepped up to the plate when his name was called upon. The third-year player was let loose against the Hawks as he played 46 minutes and he definitely produced.
He notched the first triple-double of his career with 30 points, 11 assists and 14 points while leading the Celtics to a 120-114 win against the Hawks. Pritchard was supported by Mike Muscala and Sam Hauser, who notched 27 points and 26 points respectively.
April has been a good month for Pritchard. The game against the Hawks may be the highlight but he put up an impressive 22 points in the win against the Toronto Raptors as well.
Pritchard's performance may be a huge morale booster for Boston. With the playoffs rolling around, the second-seeded Celtics will definitely need to be in high spirits to pursue their title aspirations.
Also Read: NBA eastern conference playoff picture: Which teams have qualified?
Will Payton Pritchard be important in the playoffs?
Payton Pritchard is a great asset to have on the team. Although the guard isn't necessarily consistent enough to boast a starting spot with the Boston Celtics, he has a lot of value coming off the bench. Unfortunately, Pritchard may not be as important in the Celtics' system in the playoffs.
Boston has a lot of potent playmakers with immense defensive upside. Reigning DPOY Marcus Smart leads the charge as the starting point guard. He is joined by Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White off the bench.
The defensive contributions of Brogdon and White make them essential to Boston's system.
Pritchard's smaller frame makes him a bit of a liability on defense. Although he could still be valuable in a pinch, it is unlikely that he will see a lot of time on the floor in the playoffs.
