Joe Mazzulla has made it clear that he wants the long-distance shooting barrage to continue versus the Philadelphia 76'ers, particularly with Joel Embiid doing his Wilt Chamberlain impression under the hoop on defense.
And previously little-used Payton Pritchard fits that plan. In last night's blowout of Philly, Pritchard played the entire fourth quarter, producing eight points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. Granted, the Celtics were ahead 92-65 upon his entry to the court, but the fact he can hit from anywhere on the court, sometimes in bunches (he was 3-for-3 last night) could mean fans may expect him to be the 9th-man, at least in this series.
Payton Pritchard NBA player Highlights CELTICS vs 76ERS Play-Offs 03-05-... https://t.co/IgwJ09paJr via @YouTube
— Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) May 4, 2023
Despite what some may see as Payton being a liability on defense, he works hard at it. Barring injuries to Marcus Smart, Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon, don't expect big minutes from Pritchard as the fourth point guard, but as an energizing shooting guard coming off the bench, more 12-minutes-per-game stints may be in order.
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