Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard continues to make the most of his opportunities after shifting back into a reserve role that won him Sixth Man of the Year last season.
Recent numbers posted since the move show Pritchard averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game on 52 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range.
Payton Pritchard since moving to the bench:
22.5 Points
6.2 Assists
3.5 Rebounds
1.0 Steals
52% FG%
43% 3P%
Enjoy 2 minutes of Pritchard frying defenses pic.twitter.com/ewwOpYAKHD
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) February 20, 2026
The 28-year-old’s ability to maintain high efficiency off the bench speaks to his adaptability and basketball IQ, qualities that help the Celtics sustain leads or mount comebacks. With the Eastern Conference race heating up, Pritchard’s recent form gives head coach Joe Mazzulla another reliable weapon to deploy in varied situations.
In the 2025-26 season to date, Payton Pritchard has appeared in 54 games for the Celtics (48 starts), averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per contest while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three.
The former Oregon Duck has posted career highs across multiple categories, logging 32.7 minutes per game and emerging as a steady force for a contending Boston squad. His scoring punch and floor-spacing ability have proven vital during stretches of the schedule, solidifying his place as a core rotation piece and one of the league's best contracts.
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