The Boston Celtics recently faced a significant early-season test against the Milwaukee Bucks, and it was Payton Pritchard who stepped up in a big way. Coming off the bench, Pritchard delivered an impressive 28 points, single-handedly outscoring the entire Milwaukee bench. His performance was crucial, especially when the Celtics’ starters began the game on a cold streak.
Pritchard’s Impact and the Three-Point Game
Pritchard’s shooting was a game-changer. He went 8 of 12 from beyond the arc, providing the spark the Celtics needed. While the team overall shot 18 of 47 from three-point range, Pritchard’s contribution was the standout. The Bucks, on the other hand, struggled with their three-point shooting, hitting only 8 of 31 attempts. This disparity in shooting was a key factor in the Celtics’ victory.
The Celtics initially seemed poised for a high-volume three-point game, but they also focused on challenging the Bucks in the paint. Despite Milwaukee’s advantage with players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Celtics managed to keep the points in the paint relatively even, which was a small victory in itself.
Jaylen Brown’s Second-Half Surge
Jaylen Brown, who had a slow start, found his rhythm in the second half. He scored 21 points after halftime, driving aggressively to the basket and drawing fouls. This shift in momentum was vital, as it helped the Celtics maintain their lead and eventually secure the win.
Jayson Tatum, however, had a tough night shooting. Despite his struggles, Tatum contributed in other ways, including defense and playmaking. His presence on the court remained a positive influence, even if his scoring wasn’t at its usual level.
The game wasn’t without its challenges. The officiating was inconsistent, leading to frustration on both sides. Tatum, in particular, seemed affected by the calls, which may have impacted his performance. However, the Celtics managed to channel their frustration into a strong finish, closing the third quarter with a decisive run.
The Celtics’ ability to weather these ups and downs is a testament to their resilience. They have shown they can handle adversity and still come out on top, which bodes well for the rest of the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Celtics’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Celtics podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Celtics Podcast:
- Jayson Tatum’s overall impact despite a tough shooting night
- Derrick White and Jordan Walsh playing important roles
- The importance of a game like this as Celtics figure themselves out this season
