Payton Pritchard has saved some of his best games of the season for when the Celtics are shorthanded. Friday’s win against the Nets was yet another example on that front.
With Derrick White (rest) sidelined, Pritchard stepped up with a game-high 32 points, making him Friday’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](https://johnsewer.com/?utm_source=mlm&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=mlm_local_site_articlesponsor_celtics_playerofgame&utm_content=celtics).
Pritchard was one of six players to finish in double figures in Boston’s 130-126 overtime win but he had to shoulder a heavier load with White out and Jaylen Brown (9-of-27) struggling with his shot. Pritchard was efficient all night, shooting 13-of-24 from the field and 6-of-11 from 3-point range to help Boston’s offense navigate their way to a win.
The 26-year-old guard was also a key part of Boston’s improbable rally at the end of the first overtime, when Boston tied the game despite trailing by five points with seven seconds remaining in OT. Pritchard drilled a 3-point shot with 4.5 seconds remaining in overtime after a dish from Amari Williams to cut Boston’s deficit to two points, opening the door for Hugo Gonzalez game-tying shot on the ensuing possession to force double overtime.
It was the first 30-point game for Pritchard since December 20 against the Raptors, and Boston has now gone 4-0 this season when the 6-foot-2 guard has hit that mark.
Pritchard and the Celtics won’t have much time to celebrate the win with a back-to-back looming on Saturday night in Chicago against the Bulls.