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Payton Pritchard Plays Key Minutes In Win Over Milwaukee Bucks

By Justin Phillips

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a jump shot against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics attempts a jump shot against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Payton Pritchard played limited minutes but had a role in the Boston Celtics win over Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

The game came down to the final minutes and was won when Jayson Tatum hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Boston their first win of the season against likely playoff contender Milwaukee. Tatum finished with 30 points and 7 rebounds.

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During the time Pritchard was in the game he hit a three-pointer and also came away with a rebound and a steal to help his team on the other end of the floor. In a game where points came at a premium, the former Oregon Duck was able to come through and help his team to victory. Pritchard showed off his skill set during the NBA Preseason last week

Against the Philadelphia 76ers, he put up better numbers with more minutes finishing with 16 points in 22 minutes. He showed off his moves against Milwaukee on defense and may just fill the role as an important backup for Kemba Walker as the season moves along.

While at Oregon, Pritchard on the Bob Cousy Award as the best point guard in his senior season. He was also named Pac-12 Player of the Year in his final season with the Ducks that was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. Oregon Basketball Head Coach Dana Altman seems to always have his teams ready to make a run entering the postseason. It would have been fun to watch the Ducks and see how far they may have gone last season in the NCAA Tournament led by Pritchard for the final time. However, it was not meant to be.

Kemba Walker will be out of action after having a stem cell injection for a problem knee which should give Payton Pritchard an opportunity for more playing time. I expect his minutes should go up in the coming games. Some early season experience will certainly help is rookie season confidence.

Pritchard and the Boston Celtics are next scheduled to take on Brooklyn Friday at 2 pm Pacific Time on ABC.

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