By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:41 GMT, 6 March 2025 | Updated: 02:41 GMT, 6 March 2025
BOSTON (AP) - Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 43 points and knocked down a career-best 10 3-pointers to lead the short-handed Boston Celtics past the Portland Trail Blazers 128-118 on Wednesday night.
Derrick White added career highs with 41 points and nine 3s to lead Boston to its eighth victory in 10 games, making [Pritchard and White](https://x.com/NBATV/status/1897473713957953873) the first Celtic duo to score 40 or more points in the same game and the first duo in NBA history with nine or more 3-pointers each in a game.
With starters Jayson Tatum (shoulder), Jrue Holiday (finger) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all sitting out, Pritchard picked up the scoring load for a Celtics team that made 23 3-pointers.
The game remained tight throughout the first half, featuring five ties and 15 lead changes. But Boston outscored the Blazers 36-27 in the third quarter.
Anfernee Simons led Portland with 30 points and Shaedon Sharpe added 25.
It was the sixth game of a seven-game road trip for the Blazers, who had won four of their previous five.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, center, is surrounded by Boston Celtics on a drive to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Trail Blazers: Boston made some changes in its defensive coverage that kept Portland from getting to the rim for most of the night. It forced the Blazers to shoot more jumpers and they couldn´t match the Celtics´ output from 3-point range.
Celtics: Another solid win in which a reserve stepped up and made a significant impact. Having that depth adds to Boston´s chances of repeating as NBA champions.
After the Blazers cut what had been a 25-point deficit to 124-116 with 2:35 to play, Boston came up with back-to-back stops and made enough free throws down the stretch to preserve the win.
Pritchard has now connected on five or more 3-pointers in 20 games this season, ranking fourth in the NBA.
The Blazers conclude their seven-game road trip Friday night at Oklahoma City. The Celtics host the 76ers on Thursday night
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Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, right, is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara, left, drives to the basket against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (00) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, left, is fouled by Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) sets to drive against Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) grabs a rebound against Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray, rear, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)