Payton Pritchard delivered one of the defining bench performances of the postseason, scoring 32 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 on Sunday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Pritchard credited his early rhythm to a simple approach. “I don’t know if I saw anything different. It’s just more playing with that aggression, playing with that spark,” he said. He also referenced Game 3 as a turning point in his mindset.
“I felt it in Game 3. I was telling some of the coaches like I thought it was a step in the right direction as far as like my aggression and getting my rhythm back,” Pritchard said.
The guard made six of Boston’s 24 three-pointers in a game defined by perimeter spacing and second-chance scoring. Boston finished with a 51-30 rebounding edge, including 16 second-chance points.
Pritchard linked that production to shot creation opportunities. The Celtics guard emphasized how confidence builds across possessions. “Just always being confident in the next one,” he said when asked about his development as a scoring option.
Boston’s bench production remained a key factor throughout the series. Pritchard also finished as the second-highest scorer among Celtics reserves, reinforcing his role in the rotation during high-leverage minutes.
When asked about the “flow state” of scoring runs, Pritchard described it as repetition rather than randomness. “It’s a flow state I like to say,” he said. “It’s like when you get in that flow state, it’s just the rhythm of how you’re dribbling, the moves you can get to and the shot making.”
He added that his preparation is built to replicate that condition. “In my workouts I try to hit that on a daily so then when I get in the games it’s a regular thing,” he said.
Pritchard also addressed Boston’s offensive balance when Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown face shooting stretches where efficiency dips. “I try not to change anything. I come in with the same aggression,” he said. “We would play through them even more if one of them is super hot.”
The Celtics guard also highlighted trust from the coaching staff, particularly in postseason settings. “Joe’s just been in my ear all the time about being aggressive,” Pritchard said. “When you’re hearing your coaches say that, that gives you ultimate freedom.”
Boston’s defensive rebounding advantage shaped the game’s structure, leading to transition threes and catch-and-shoot rhythm. The Celtics controlled the glass and turned extra possessions into separation on the scoreboard.
The 76ers struggled to maintain early offensive balance despite Joel Embiid’s return. Philadelphia’s shot profile shifted heavily toward isolation, while Boston sustained spacing through ball movement and rebounding control.
Pritchard also acknowledged fan support on the road, linking it to Boston’s identity. “It’s just a pride thing representing the city of Boston,” he said. “It’s a hard-nosed city, so we want to carry that.”
He credited veteran teammates for teaching situational control. “Their ability to get to spots, take the game over at times, making the right reads,” Pritchard said when referring to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Boston now leads the series 3-1 with Game 5 scheduled in Boston. Pritchard’s scoring burst reinforces the Celtics’ depth as they move within one win of advancing.
