Boston Celtics: 3 Takeaways from loss to Phoenix

Boston Celtics’ Takeaway No. 2) Reliable Payton Pritchard

On a more positive note, Payton Pritchard, in his second game back after a knee injury, kept the Boston Celtics in the game down the stretch. Finishing the game with 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting (all three-point attempts), the rookie provided offense when the rest of the team couldn’t.

Hitting all of his shots in the second half, Pritchard showed up when it mattered most, especially with Walker being unable to create offense. In his young career, it is already apparent that he shows up in the clutch, seemingly making the big shots.

As far as his skills on the court, he may have the longest range of anyone on the team. With the ability to both shoot from 30+ feet and take defenders off the dribble, he can develop into something special in years to come. He’s become a contributor to a winning team in his first year in the league, and not many rookies can say that.

On the defensive side of the ball, although he’s undersized for his position, he gets into the opposition and makes their life as difficult as possible. Matched up often against the likes of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, Pritchard gave up no easy points, fitting the stereotype of the pesky short point guard.

Both Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens have to be extremely pleased with what they’ve seen in the first 15 games of his career.

He’s the only reason this game was close.