Boston Celtics: The C's top 3 performers in first quarter of the season

Boston Celtics: The C’s top 3 performers in first quarter of the season

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 23: Jayson Tatum #0, Jeff Teague #55, and Jaylen Brown #7, of the Boston Celtics celebrate after scoring against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at TD Garden on December 23, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics player No. 2) Payton Pritchard

There hasn’t been a bigger surprise on Boston’s roster this season than rookie point guard Payton Pritchard.

The first-round draft pick out of Oregon proved to be invaluable for the shamrocks in the first quarter of this season.

Pritchard played a huge role in Kemba Walker’s absence, and he consistently provided a spark off the bench in support of veterans Marcus Smart and Jeff Teague. The rookie hasn’t started a game for the C’s, but he’s averaging nearly 21 minutes a contest coming off the bench.

In those minutes, Pritchard has done just about everything, averaging 7.7 points, 2.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and nearly on steal a game while shooting 42.5 percent from three and 90 percent from the free-throw line.

Pritchard has done the dirty work, dropped 20-plus points, and even hit a game-winner in the first quarter of the first season of his NBA career.

The Boston Celtics likely wouldn’t be where they are right now if not for the contributions Pritchard has given them.

With Kemba Walker back in the lineup, Pritchard’s role may diminish a bit once he returns from injury, but he’ll still be counted on to provide quality minutes off the bench for Boston moving forward.

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