Boston—— (AP) On Friday night, Payton Prichard set a career-high 31 points to lead the Boston Celtics past the Charlotte Hornets 131-98.
Eleven assists contributed to Pritchard’s second double-double of the season, which prevented the Celtics from losing three consecutive games in a row for the first time since 2010-11.
Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta, both of whom concluded with 16 points and 10 rebounds, joined Luke Kornet in scoring for Boston, which held a 33-point lead with six turnovers.
In the playoffs, Pritchard will be relied upon to play off the bench, and coach Joe Mazzulla characterized his performance as a reflection of his development and commitment to his position thus far this season.
Mazzulla stated, “Being a complete player in every game will be an entirely different experience.” “His influence on the game is multifaceted.” Having a consistent role throughout the entire season is undeniably advantageous.”
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, the Celtics’ best six rotation players, were all sidelined with nagging injuries on what was essentially a rest night for them. Already secured is the top seed in the Eastern Conference and a home field advantage for the duration of the postseason for Boston.
This will also likely result in another start for Pritchard, who is attempting to record his first appearance in all 82 regular-season games in four years.
“Undoubtedly, it is a significant achievement for me,” Pritchard remarked. “It is difficult to play 82 games, but the preparations I made for my body over the summer proved to be beneficial.” However, it is also painful to recall the times during my second year, which was last year, when I did not perform at all. Such a journey can be extremely discouraging. But that only motivated me to continue my efforts.”
Tre Mann eighteen assists and nineteen points to lead the Hornets. Smith Jr. Nick contributed 15 points.
The Celtics were able to utilize rookie Jordan Walsh and call up two-way players Queta, JD Davison, and Drew Peterson from the G League to substitute in for Walsh and Davison and Peterson, who had just played with Maine the night before in Game 2 of the G League Finals at Oklahoma City. On Sunday, Oklahoma City Blue will be crowned the G League champion at Maine in Portland.
The Hornets, who have been out of playoff contention since March 23, were without former Celtic Grant Williams and Nick Richards due to injuries. Williams suffered a sprained right ankle and Richards suffered a right plantar fascia.Boston—— (AP) On Friday night, Payton Prichard set a career-high 31 points to lead the Boston Celtics past the Charlotte Hornets 131-98.
Eleven assists contributed to Pritchard’s second double-double of the season, which prevented the Celtics from losing three consecutive games in a row for the first time since 2010-11.
Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta, both of whom concluded with 16 points and 10 rebounds, joined Luke Kornet in scoring for Boston, which held a 33-point lead with six turnovers.
In the playoffs, Pritchard will be relied upon to play off the bench, and coach Joe Mazzulla characterized his performance as a reflection of his development and commitment to his position thus far this season.
Mazzulla stated, “Being a complete player in every game will be an entirely different experience.” “His influence on the game is multifaceted.” Having a consistent role throughout the entire season is undeniably advantageous.”
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, the Celtics’ best six rotation players, were all sidelined with nagging injuries on what was essentially a rest night for them. Already secured is the top seed in the Eastern Conference and a home field advantage for the duration of the postseason for Boston.