Shifting from a starting role to a bench role isn't easy, but Payton Pritchard has made the transition look seamless for the Boston Celtics.
After winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award last season, Pritchard proved himself as one of the league's premier bench scorers. The Celtics moved him to the starting lineup this season, however, after losing multiple starters last offseason.
Pritchard flourished in his new role, averaging career highs in numerous categories in his first season as a full-time starter. Boston moved him back to the bench earlier this month, however, after trading top bench scorer Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls for Nikola Vucevic.
Not surprisingly, Pritchard has thrived in his old role, especially lately. He torched the Los Angeles Lakers for 30 points, eight assists, six 3-pointers and four rebounds on Sunday, giving him at least 24 points in six of seven games since returning to the bench.
More history made for Payton Pritchard tonight:
☘️ He joins Larry Bird and Kevin McHale as the only Celtics to record three-straight 25+ point games off the bench
☘️ He's the first Celtic to record multiple games of 30+ PTS, 5+ AST, and 5+ 3PM off the bench
H/T @NBA https://t.co/eSbgbqvxj2 pic.twitter.com/T0yixvAw81
— SleeperCeltics (@SleeperCeltics) February 23, 2026
Pritchard is the first player in Celtics history with multiple games of at least 30 points, five assists and five 3-pointers off the bench. He's also only the third player in team history with at least 25 points in three straight games off the bench, joining Boston legends Larry Bird and Kevin McHale.
The 28-year-old guard is in the zone and playing some of the best basketball of his career right now, helping the Celtics win eight of their last nine games. He'll look to continue his historic streak on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns.
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