Newest weapon making the Boston Celtics even more unstoppable

The Boston Celtics dominated their way to a championship in 2024 but faced some questions heading into this season. Jayson Tatum’s jumper and Team USA benching were talking points. Jaylen Brown's Olympic team snub and three Celtics having a shorter offseason by playing in Paris drew some doubt. Those questions have been answered, and one player has taken a leap to make Boston even more unstoppable.

The Celtics largely relied on their top six last season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown gave them the best wing duo in the league. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday comprised the top defensive backcourt with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis giving them strong minutes at the five. Boston stuck to their script and lost just three times in the playoffs.

Payton Pritchard is off to an outstanding start and giving the Celtics another weapon. The last thing they needed was another elite shooter capable of giving defenses headaches, but the 6’1 guard is filling that role off the bench. There may truly be no answers now.

Payton Pritchard is making the Celtics even more unstoppable

No team took or made more 3-pointers than Boston last season. Their 16.5 per game was nearly two more each night than the Warriors who finished second. Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics used that math advantage to dominate their way to a championship.

Pritchard shot 38.5 percent from 3-point range last season while making 1.8 threes per game. Boston knew the 26-year-old could offer more, and they are empowering him this season. He is shooting 42.7 percent after 13 games and making 3.8 every night. It has helped his scoring leap and widen the franchise’s gap in their 3-point advantage.

Pritchard averages 16.2 points, 2.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 28.5 minutes per game so far this season. He is fourth on the team in scoring and tied for second in 3-pointers made.

Pritchard wanted to be traded (subscription required) after the 2023 season. His role had diminished, but some bold moves by Brad Stevens made him the backup point guard again. The work never stopped, and Pritchard is now reaching new heights. His four-year extension looks like an absolute steal, and he is in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.

No opposing team wanted to see Boston get another 15-point per game scorer capable of shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range and sinking half-court buzzer-beaters. Pritchard is making the Celtics even more terrifying and leaving opposing teams with virtually no answers to stopping their offensive machine.

The 6’1 guard has increased his efficiency in several areas. Pritchard is third in the NBA by producing 1.24 points per possession as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. He also puts up 1.31 points per possession in transition. There is no stopping the Celtics' embarrassment of riches with Pritchard on the floor, and it is taking Boston to another level.

The Boston Celtics were favorites to repeat entering the season, and Payton Pritchard’s improvements only solidified that standing. Every team hopes to knock them off, but nobody wants to face them when the games matter most. Expect Pritchard to keep sinking shots as the Celtics look to be the first team to repeat since 2018. It won’t be easy, but Boston has the talent. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.