Jayson Tatum said Payton Pritchard’s rise has given the Boston Celtics another weapon after Pritchard scored 32 points in a 128-96 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“It’s incredible to see,” Tatum said of Pritchard’s competitive growth and two-way evolution. “He’s always been that competitive, doesn’t back down from anybody.”
Tatum said the Celtics benefit from Pritchard’s ability to create shots and stretch defenses. “It’s a luxury to have a guy like that that can score with the best of them coming off the bench on your team,” he said.
Boston took a 3-1 lead in the first-round series behind Tatum’s 30 points and 11 assists, plus a major rebounding edge that helped the Celtics turn extra possessions into points. Tatum said the crowd on the road also mattered in a playoff setting.
“Again, it’s just another luxury like being a part of the most winningest franchise in NBA history,” he said. “The amount of fans that we have and how well they travel, just something I’ve been fortunate enough to experience my entire career.”
Pritchard’s first-quarter burst set the tone, and Tatum said that kind of impact comes from relentless preparation. “Payton’s a gym rat,” he said. “He always is going to be in the gym working on his game, working on his craft, trying to get better.”
The Celtics also used second-chance opportunities to separate from Philadelphia, finishing with 16 second-chance points and 24 made 3-pointers. Tatum said that edge came from Boston’s work on the glass.
“That was huge,” he said. “It was just how we got those shots and second or third chance opportunities. It’s just a big boost for your team.”
Philadelphia brought Joel Embiid back for his first game since an appendectomy, but Tatum said Boston’s mindset was to stay disciplined and not get caught up in external circumstances.
“Just be prepared to do whatever it takes for however long it takes,” Tatum said. “That’s just kind of the mindset that we try to have.”
Tatum also spoke about the Achilles injury suffered by Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, saying he planned to reach out and offer support. “My thoughts and prayers have been with him,” Tatum said. “He has me in his corner whether he’s going to like it or not.”
Boston can close the series in Game 5 on Tuesday night in Boston.
