The Boston Celtics showcased several shots from the deep throughout the season but hitting one at a crucial stage, beating the buzzer from half-court, that too playing for a minute, could only be possible for the clutch master, Payton Pritchard. His highlight reel moment against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday not only helped the team on their way to the NBA championship but also earned him praise from the Celtics head coach, Joe Mazzulla.
Praising the guard, Mazzulla said, “Payton is one of the best competitors and one of my favorite people in the world. Just the way he competes, the professionalism and just for his ability to take pride in stuff like that. He’s really grown as a player this year to becoming a well-rounded player on both ends of the floor, and he won us games.”
The HC acknowledged his ability to deliver for the team in the vital moment and hit a 3-pointer from a 30-foot distance. It occurred in the last few seconds of the opening half in front of the TD Garden crowd. Payton succeeded in shooting the half-court shot on target just before the buzzer sounded. This gave the Celtics a 21-point lead, causing more damage to the Mavs comeback hopes.
This was not the first time Payton had hit that shot. He did the same a couple of weeks ago against the Cavaliers in the semifinals, which made him the only player to do so in the league’s history.
Mazzulla was not the only one to shower heaps of praise on the 26-year-old, even his teammate Jaylen Brown had a high opinion of him.
Payton Pritchard Receives Jaylen Brown Support
While describing the impact his teammates had in the 106-88 win on Monday, Brown applauded Payton’s excellent performance and referred to him as a “legend”.
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At the press conference after the game, the Celtics’ swingman said, “We had an excellent game plan in the Finals, and then all of the guys contributed. Like, for example, like Payton Pritchard, like unreal, right. Unreal. Like just comes in the game and drains one from halfcourt. That dude, he’s a f**king legend, man. Shout out to Payton Pritchard.”
Coming off the bench, Payton averaged 6.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in the 19 playoff games. Though his numbers are not quite impressive, he balances it out with his brilliant clutch performances.
Brown himself had a significant role to play in the playoffs, especially in the series against the Mavs for which he got rewarded with the Finals MVP. All the Boston team members’ collective efforts finally paid off with their championship win and now they’re the undisputed kings of the land.
