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Showing posts with the label Payton Pritchard

No JT but.... Cs find their way to a victory

      The Cs will be without JT tonight, but everyone is here to play. Who will step up in his absence? I see PG13, PPritch, and DWhite having quality games. If they push the pace of play and move the ball I feel we win. This will be the final home game in quite a while. Let's hope we go out with a bang! Time for big Mitch to get himself right. Sam Hauser should be a guy that steps up tonight. It would be a good game for him to knock down about five threes. We are moments away from tip off.       Sam comes out in the first and nails a few threes! He has such a pretty stroke and when it's on watch out. This Celtics team forces about 18 points a game. Much better than what they did last year. PG13 in this first is very involved on the offensive end. His offense is extremely smooth. What's great about him this season is his defensive IQ. He takes that and shows it on a nightly basis with the plays he makes. I've never truly watched him on D but man he's g...

Win Streak Over as the Rockets Take Off

       Today I will be touching upon the past three games. It's been a busy few days for me as my daughter's youth soccer team won the fall championship. In Friday's Cup game we saw the Cs lay a huge hammer to the Bulls in that first half. For a while there I thought we would win the game by 50! Unfortunately that third quarter was lacking and the Cs let go of that huge lead. At the end of the day though they pulled out the win. PP was spectacular scoring 30 points while JT and PG13 played very well. I don't care for the Cup games but sometimes you need small goals in a long season.       Sunday in Orlando was another example of a team win. When big plays were needed JT and PG13 led the way. Tatum to me this season seems so comfortable and confident in his game. I would say he must feel just about fully healed from that horrendous injury in the playoffs. PG13 even looks spry and reinvigorated to be a Boston Celtic. Queta continues to show he may b...

Brooklyn in Boston

       Tonight we see the lowly Brooklyn Nets enter the Boston Garden. I want to see this team build off these last few wins. How cool is it that Allen Iverson said Payton Pritchard is the coldest white boy ever! Talk about high praise from a Hall of Famer. Oh and I shook hands with that Hall of Famer during Enshrinement. Interesting news in tonight's game everyone will be playing in this back to back. That's a good sign from a group of guys who want to play this beautiful game of basketball.       Mitchell Robinson is truly an elite rebounder and knows where to position his body.  He makes plays for a big that are unexpected. That one where he catches the ball midair was totally awesome. He's very nimble and quick for a big! He even has some shake on the offensive end as he spins and gets to the hoop for a foul. If he's able to stay healthy this season he's gonna have a career year. Dude is just a solid player overall and does his job. I lov...

Da Bulls

      Celtics welcome the Bulls to the Garden tonight. Nice to see Hugo score and play a solid game for the first time all season. Hugo's a guy that shows great upside but still needs work. He's a dawg on defense, offensively I'm not fully sure what he's gonna be. I don't want to see him settle for threes. He should be a guy who gets to the hole and could develop a mid range game. I believe Brad sees something in him and I hope this season he takes that next step. I'm starting to get concerned with Payton Pritchards shot. He needs to be a knock down shooter especially beyond the arc. Yet this season he's off to a slow start.       I have enjoyed some of these defensive possessions tonight. There have been some sets where the Cs are legit hounds and giving the Bulls a run for their money. I love when guys and teams really focus their efforts on the defensive end. Defensive is about effort and heart along with positioning. Derrick White is one of if not ...

More minutes for Payton Pritchard

 In the Celtics loss to the Pistons, Payton Pritchard was on the floor for only 27 minutes . He supplied 17 points, four rebounds, one assist - with zero turnovers . Understanding that Joe Mazzull a needs to see what he has in Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez , but Joe knows what Pritchard can do. The 6'1" two-way guard averaged more than 32 minutes per game in the 2025-26 season - and for good reason. Last season, his 5.2 APG and only 1.4 TOPG - and his ability to put points on the board - showed his value. The Oregon product will turn 29 of age in January, and he should be in his prime. Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla have always appeared to be fond of having as many wings as possible on the parquet, and Payton is still regarded as a liability on defense due to his lack of length. But he takes care of the ball, increases the pace, gets into the paint and never seems to ease up on his on-court intensity. Boston takes on the Knicks tonight in their home open...

Analytics have ruined sports

      I truly can't understand how a 22 point lead goes away... and or how do you allow a run of 23 to 0 to happen? This makes no logical sense to me as a basketball lover. Time and time again every iteration of these three happy Cs blow huge leads and lose games. One game doesn't define a season but after all the shake ups in the off season, I expect better results. With that said JT played poorly on the offensive end. His assist numbers were nice but everything else was disappointing. I don't believe this is going to be a pattern but I expected more from him today. With that said he and the Celtics will bounce back going forward.       I was not very pleased with trading for Paul George, doesn't mean I don't like his game. I just feel he's underperformed in his career. After today's throw back game I was pleasantly surprised. What we saw today is his true upside as a player. Throughout his career he's put on some good performances. I will watch him w...

Streets of Philadelphia

      Cs look to grab a three to one lead here in Philly. Cs must come out ready to fight on every possession. The Jays will need to lead by example but need everyone else to do their job. Calling Derrick White please answer the call and give us one of those games. These refs are already giving Embid all the calls. Watching him.play basketball makes me sick. The NBA coddles this giant baby. This first quarter was dominanted by the Celtics bench. PP was en feugo from deep! Walsh was a defensive menace and nailed a sweet three. Baylor our here giving everything he's got even nailing a three. Very impressed with that first quarter.       The Jays have yet to get going and the Cs have a solid lead. If they can get going it could be a long night for the Sixers. I really need to see Derrick White get going. PP is killing it tonight and I freaking love it! I hope he goes for forty! Overall I'm pleased with the defense from the Cs but they can't relent. Need t...

Buzzing into Charlotte

      No Derrick White and no Jaylen Brown... No problemo! Cs came out punching tonight vs the Hornets. A little payback for that loss in Boston. JT was straight balling in that first half looking like himself. PP was lighting it up and all the stay ready guys did their job. Ron Harper Jr came in and made some big plays. He's such an asset off the bench and going forward. This entire Celtics roster has done an exceptional job this season. I love these guys and want them to win it all. Anyone watch that Uconn finish?! College sports are incredible! What a clutch shot by Mullins!      It's remarkable that Jayson Tatum is playing as well as he is. For a guy who had a major injury and to be looking like this is unreal. Modern medicine is simply amazing. The will of JTs heart and work ethic are second to none coming back this year. Reminds me of another great if not the greatest. Remember when MJ broke his foot and came back and went bananas in the playoffs vs t...

Sunday Matinee

      Slow start at first but the Cs have found water, I need to say James Harden is horrific. The way he throws himself into players is disgusting. With that said JT looks good today and this Cs team has something special brewing. It's a bummer we lose Vuc for about a month. Especially when he was finding a flow with us. Another overrated player is Donovan Mitchell. He and Harden are a perfect combo of two guys who can't win. Forever will they be bridesmaids of the NBA. Man PP is such a dawg on D. I love his tenacity and ability to cut guys off at the dribble.       Cs ball movement has been flowing like the mighty Mississippi! Defensively they are forcing non shooters to shoot and I'm all for it. The way this defense gets down to dance is legit. Very rarely do they make it easy on the other team. Cleveland is all outta sorts tonight and that doesn't surprise me. This Cavs team is decent but they don't move the needle. I see them winning a round in th...

Friday Night Feast

      How about the performance from this entire Celtics team. Everyone who entered the game scored. Even the bench guys who very rarely play. Talk about offensive efficiency. Tonight was Vucs coming out party and why the Cs traded for him. He led the way with along with JB scoring 28 points. I think anyone who has watched Vuc over the years knows how good he is. The man is a walking double double and doesn't take games off for load management. It was nice seeing him in the post but man he lit it up from deep. His rebounding is exceptional and he fits this team really well. He's a guy Brad has always coveted and could have a nice run here in Boston.       JB has simply been one of the top players in the entire NBA. He's honestly the best two way player in the game. I always knew JB was going to be good the moment we drafted him. There was always a reason why Danny drafted him and Brad wanted him. What we are seeing this season is a masterclass in great...

No Rivalry Here

      How about them Celtics?!! Going into the so called Lions Den in LA and kicking their butts! What makes it great is they were honoring Pat the Rat Riley. Cs are a much better team than the Lakers this season. Historically the Celtics are a better team than the Lakers. Just go and study the numbers. Seems like a one sided rivalry to me! Celtics have and will always be the greatest NBA Franchise of all time.       Payton Pritchard was on fire last night, he made Austin Reaves look like a fool on D. Pritch was lethal from beyond the arc and had his fair share of points in the post. I love when he uses his change of pace out there. Whether to score or throw off the defender. He isn't afraid to grab rebounds and finds his teammates where they can score. Pritch has been an exceptional player since he was drafted by the Celtics. One of my favorite players to watch and wrote about. I mean he's a cold blooded assasin! Coming off the bench is where he flour...

Back Home

      Cs could not have played worse in this first half. So many missed shots and way too many turnovers. You wait all day to see them ball and they come out flat. The only upside is it can't get any worse. Cs will need a huge third quarter to get back into this game. It's going to start on the defensive end. Let's see if they have it in them especially since Superbowl Sunday they will welcome the Knicks.       JB starts the third getting to the cup for the And One opportunity. JB from the midrange and he's heating up. He's been the only guy who looks like he's ready to play. Cs made a little headway only to get punched in the mouth. JB gets no love from the refs at all. Garza and Queta have been busy with this two big lineup. Huge shot from Sam and that's his first bucket of the game. Crazy especially since we are into the third. Cs need a run here or the fourth is not gonna be fun.       PP with the three, followed by DWhite for t...

Houston you have a problem

      Houston you have a problem and that problem is the Boston Celtics! Derrick White was an absolute problem for the Rockets last night. Damn near had a double double and was totally balling out. The Rockets had no answer for him and he showed when called upon he steps up. His three was smooth and his ability to attack the defense is nice! Derrick White has and will always be one of my favorite players of all time. Come playoffs he's gonna be a problem! He's just elite on both ends and really has a high basketball IQ.       The Pride of Portugal put up some good numbers last night. He had a solid ten points and NINETEEN rebounds! This young man has grown and continues to grow right in front of our eyes! I'm pleased we picked up another big but what he a Garzilla have done is awesome. Both of our bigs made some incredible plays last night. They have done so all season,  they will be a nice punch come playoffs. There's an edge to these guys and we...

Home Cooking

      Cs are back home after that loss in Chicago to face the Blazers. We welcome back Jrue Holiday and Rob Williams. Jrue holds a very special place in my heart and all Celtics fans. He was a huge part in us winning Banner 18. One heck of a defender and overall great player. No matter where he's been, the way he plays is elite. He has been on two NBA championship teams, the Bucks and Celtics. One of my all time favorite players. Rob also holds a special spot for me given how well he played for us and was almost part of a title team.       Cs are looking solid on both ends of the floor. As they should given they are back home. No excuses for them not to win! Too many missed threes up to this point. Cs with a solid lead but Joe wants a timeout and it is needed. Time to get the guys refocused and ready to finish this quarter the right way. I'd really like to see the Cs push their lead as the second seed. I know it's not a big lead now but it could matter...

On The Road Again

      Cs are in Brooklyn looking for a win despite being shorthanded. There are plenty of Celtics fans here in Brooklyn. Sam opens up the scoring from three tonight. Baylor follows up with his own three. Great job by Queta going after the miss and earning the C's an extra possession. PP scores to make that Queta hustle play worth while. Cs ball movement has been excellent so far. Cs have let up too many easy shots to the Nets. Cs have lost their early lead as we have a timeout on the floor.      JB has been off so far tonight, hopefully going to the line will get him going. And... he misses the first. Cs have been underwhelming to this point. Simons hits the three and things may be looking up. It would be nice if the Cs can go on a run here. Finish this first quarter the right way! Cs call the timeout as Joe is pissed with their defense. I don't blame him one bit! Tear into em Joe! Cs finish on a decent run but still trail at the half. They better wake the ...

Back Home a Revenge Game

      Our Cs are home to play those pesky Pacers who have always given the Cs fits. I mean I remember the 90s when they gave the Big 3 fits yet we always found a way to win. The Truth had his moments with the Pacers. Historically there have been some really good matchups with these two teams. Larry Bird played for the Celtics and coached the Pacers. Larry damn near lead them to a title as Coach. The Pacers have always been right on the cusp. Yet have never tasted winning it all in the NBA. Here's hoping the Cs can handle their business and send em back to Indy with another loss.       Sam hits the first shot for the Cs and its a three! I'm really hoping that Derrick White can get his offense going tonight. He's just been completely off lately and it makes no logical sense to me. I mean he's still doing everything else well but we know how good a scorer he is. Kudos to Aaron Nesmith for finding himself in Indiana. I feel he may not have gotten his chanc...

Raptor Extinction...

      Cs are coming off a bad loss given the Nuggets had no Jokic. JB didn't get any calls whatsoever that night either. I expect to see a more focused Celtics team that is going to hamdle their business. They are currently 2-0 vs the Raptors, both wins in Toronto. With that said we are in the Garden so why not take it to em! Cs fans are we excited to see the Patriots play Sunday night?! I know I am, they have exceeded expectations as have the Cs. Vrabel is an excellent coach and has a great staff. Drake Maye is playing incredibly and I love our run game. Expect the D to be stout come Sunday night.       PP hits the first three of the game, I hope it's the first of many for him. PP is having himself quite the first quarter. The entire team seems to be locked in. Love seeing JB bring down the house with his dunks. Sam Hauser is perfect from deep right now and he's been due for a big game. Let's hope he keeps it rolling all game. Crazy to think this Rapt...

Da Bulls

      Cs welcome the Bulls to the Boston Garden after going 4 and 1 on the road trip. Cs must shake off the jet lag as they flew in yesterday from LA. Cs need to be ready to set the tone as this Bulls team likes to push the pace. If the C's play tough basketball this Bulls team will fold. Go Hard or Go Home! Cs are wearing those gold jerseys which I don't like. I prefer my simple home and away jerseys. Queta starts us off with the rebound and score.      JB is on the board and we are up by four! Cs have slowed down a bit and now trail to the Bulls. DWhite gets on the board and I'm all for him to go off. Sam is on the board and when he's on I like our chances. Cs are looking good from deep early tonight. Hugo has been a pleasant surprise all season and especially tonight. Simons is off tonight and needs to get inside the three point line. Cs are rolling though up by fifteen.       Nice to see and hear Dee Brown tonight, I loved him as a p...

What Celtics player will morph into that 5th starter ?

 Right now, the four consistent Celtics starters have been Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard and Neemias Queta. Jordan Walsh and Josh Minott have started 17 and 10 games, respectively, but the season is still relatively young. When Jayson Tatum returns, either this season or next , he obviously will be that fifth starter, and if the roster remains quite the same, a player that latches on to that 5th position this season would most-likely come off the bench as the 6th man come the 2026-27 campaign . Who else may fill that role, other than Walsh and Minott? Hugo Gonzalez comes to mind. The rookie is still only 19 years old and showing that he belongs in the NBA. If "The Spaniard" continues to improve this season, he possibly could fit that 5th-man role. Anfernee Simons currently has logged the 5th-most minutes (23.7 MPG) , but he may be going elsewhere - and it is doubtful that he would bump White or Pritchard from the starting lineup. How about Sam Hauser ? H...

North of the border part duex

     Cs are trailing the Raptors in the standings but with a win they will surpass them..despite being shorthanded these Celtics have stepped up to this point. Everyone who has stepped on the floor has made an impact. Derrick White has been solid after a heck of a game last night. Nice to see Luka Garza getting some action tonight. Hugo continues to show he's going to be a solid NBA player. I think he's going to be a guy on our next championship team.       PP has been exceptional tonight and how about Queta with double digits in points. Simons has played a really solid role tonight. I mean there are times where this team looks off, but tonight they look good. It's an impressive feat given no JB tonight and they are on the second night of a back to back. The lead here in the fourth is eight and Joe calls a timeout. A very wise timeout in my opinion. Especially because you don't want the Raptors to get any momentum.       Cs will hav...