Boston Celtics
Pritchard scored 33 points on Saturday night.
On Saturday, Payton Pritchard delivered an impressive performance, leading the Boston Celtics to a 112-96 victory over the Raptors, despite Jaylen Brown’s absence.
Pritchard Shines and Keeps the Celtics in the Game
The Celtics found themselves trailing in the third quarter, but Pritchard was determined to turn the tide. On the second night of a back-to-back, with Brown out, the Celtics fell behind by seven points with five minutes remaining in the third quarter. After a strong start, their momentum lagged, allowing the Raptors to catch up.
Pritchard emerged as a catalyst, hitting a challenging step-back jumper to narrow the deficit. He followed that by creatively navigating the defense to assist Sam Hauser for a three-pointer. Then, he sank another three-pointer, flipping the script and helping the Celtics regain the lead.
Throughout the remainder of the period, Pritchard dominated, scoring or assisting on every Celtics basket, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds, and ten assists—nearly achieving a triple-double.
Hugo González Gains Attention
González made a strong impact in recent games, scoring ten points and securing his first career double-double with ten rebounds against the Raptors. His aggressive playing style and ability to read defenses caught the attention of both fans and commentators.
Despite being overshadowed by a talented rookie class, González has shown he is more than ready for the NBA, and Celtics fans are right to feel excitement about his future. His performances suggest he is quickly becoming a valuable asset to the team.
Derrick White Finds His Rhythm
Though White had a rough shooting night, making only five of his 20 attempts, he still contributed meaningful plays down the stretch. His key shots, including a deep three-pointer that increased the Celtics’ lead, highlighted his growing confidence in handling his role on the court.
With seven assists on the night, White displayed his ability to facilitate plays, proving that he is starting to adapt to his responsibilities and become a more dynamic player.
Luka Garza Returns to the Court
After limited playing time recently, Garza made a noticeable impact, registering 12 points and a remarkable nine offensive rebounds against the Raptors. His knack for positioning himself to secure rebounds was pivotal, as he helped the Celtics maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
Though it’s uncertain if Garza will remain in the rotation moving forward, his performance serves as a reminder of his potential contributions to the team.
Anfernee Simons Proves to be a Tough Competitor
Simons showcased his exceptional shot-making ability by sinking difficult shots under pressure, closing the game with 15 points. Despite not being a key player on the Celtics, he demonstrated his talent through impressive accuracy and skill in creating shots.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics will wrap up their busy schedule with a home game against the Pacers on Monday. After this, they will have a break until after Christmas, when they will face the Pacers again as part of a five-game road trip that extends further into the new year.
