Payton Pritchard Explodes for Career-High—How the Celtics Guard Became Boston’s Secret Weapon

Boston — Payton Pritchard is making sure the Boston Celtics’ second unit isn’t a weakness but a weapon. The fourth-year guard poured in a career-best 30 points, drilling 6-of-9 from deep, to help Boston edge the Los Angeles Clippers 121-118 on Sunday night. It wasn’t a one-off outburst. Over his last five games the Oregon product is averaging 18.6 points, 4.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 48.9 percent beyond the arc, transforming from energy plug-in to reliable closer. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Pritchard’s “fearless shot-making and relentless pace,” noting that the 27-year-old’s ability to spark quick runs is “changing the temperature of games.” Key takeaways fans and fantasy managers should know: • Sixth-man surge: Pritchard’s 25.3 minutes per game in November are up from 16.1 in October, a direct result of his two-way consistency. • Elite efficiency: He ranks fifth among all NBA guards with at least 40 attempts in three-point percentage this month (48.9 %). • Clutch credibility: Eleven of his 30 points against L.A. came in the final seven minutes, including the go-ahead corner triple with 0:58 left. Why the leap? Teammates point to his revamped off-season regimen emphasizing core strength and deeper shooting range. “He’s added two, three feet to his pull-up,” said Jaylen Brown. “Defenses have to stretch, and that opens lanes for everyone.” Analytics back that up: 42 percent of Pritchard’s attempts now come from 27-plus feet, compared to 18 percent last season. The hot streak is timely. With Malcolm Brogdon shipped to Portland in the summer and Jrue Holiday nursing knee soreness, Boston needed a guard who can direct the offense without sacrificing spacing. Pritchard’s 5.4 assist-to-turnover ratio over the past two weeks leads all rotation players on the roster. Looking ahead, the Celtics embark on a four-game road swing starting Wednesday in Miami. If Pritchard keeps torching nets, opposing scouting reports will have to elevate him from “bench spark” to “priority stop.” For a team eyeing Banner 18, the emergence of a dependable third-guard scorer could be the hidden ingredient that separates Boston from other contenders this spring.