Payton Pritchard got back on track Monday night after a tough shooting start to the season and helped the Celtics run away with their first win of the regular season over the Pelicans.
Pritchard played his best game of the season in the blowout victory, which makes him Monday’s “Name to Know” Player of the Game. The Name to Know Player of the Game is sponsored by John’s Sewer and Drain Cleaning, the Name to Know when your drains don’t flow.
Pritchard was a creator for himself and his teammates all night, finishing with 18 points and a team-high eight assists in the convincing win while shooting 7-of-16 from the field. He took advantage of cross matches against an undermanned Pelicans squad and a lack of rim protection, getting deep into the defense to create open looks for himself and others.
The veteran guard also continues to be a steady hand in the backcourt in a starting role, turning the ball over just one time in the victory as Boston closed out their three-game road trip on a winning note. Through four games, he’s turned the ball over just five times, giving him a stellar 4-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio in his increased role.
The road does not get easier for Pritchard and the Celtics as this week continues as Boston hosts a contending Cavaliers squad on Wednesday night back at TD Garden. Darius Garland will be sidelined for that matchup but Pritchard will need to be at his best again offensively to keep pace with the Cavaliers firepower.
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