A gratifying finale to an up-and-down regular season for Payton Pritchard

Moments faraway from his scintillating triple-double Sunday, Payton Pritchard’s teammates gave him a recreation ball to commemorate the event.

The Celtics guard appreciated the gesture however mentioned he’s “not one to maintain that.” As an alternative, he handed it alongside to assistant coach Aaron Miles – somebody who’s stayed with him all through what Pritchard acknowledged has been an “up-and-down yr.”

Pritchard exploded for 30 factors, 14 rebounds and 11 assists within the Celtics’ 120-114 win over the Hawks, becoming a member of Larry Chicken and John Havlicek as the one gamers in franchise historical past to hit these marks.

He mentioned he’s “honored” to be part of such an unique group, but he was primarily centered on “exhibiting the world” what he’s able to and getting a win in these two video games.

Afterward, he was extra so pensive than he was giddy. Honestly, that is what he expects from himself each evening.

In a daily season through which he averaged 5.1 factors in 12.7 minutes in 47 video games (all career-lows) – and has openly expressed a desire for a much bigger position –staying affected person hasn’t been simple for a licensed hoops junkie.

“Each NBA participant goes via it,” Pritchard mentioned Sunday. “I believe it’s via these down elements the way you strategy it. A number of it’s irritating. I’ve had plenty of irritating occasions, however I at all times went again to the work and discovering little areas to at all times maintain getting higher. Once I get alternatives like this, I attempt to present it.”

He did simply that, controlling the whole recreation in a wide range of methods with a definite aptitude and panache that few others can present. Pritchard buried 9-of-16 3-pointers and set his teammates up with pinpoint passes early and infrequently.

After taking part in two, 9, 16 and 9 minutes within the earlier 4 video games, he averaged 26 factors, 9 rebounds and eight assists on 19-of-35 taking pictures previously two video games in an expanded position.

Completely nobody is questioning Pritchard’s skill to play. He’s a wonderful shooter and playmaker and brings large power at any time when he’s on the ground. The Celtics are just too deep at guard to get him heavy minutes on a nightly foundation.

In an ideal world, they’d discover 10 to fifteen minutes for him each playoff recreation, however doing so can be simpler mentioned than finished. No matter how the subsequent few weeks and the offseason unfold, this was a mandatory and gratifying finish to the common season for a participant who wanted a pick-me-up.

“Lots of people know, it’s been an up and down yr, emotionally and bodily now,” Pritchard mentioned.

Whether or not he shines within the playoffs or not, and whether or not the Celtics deliver him again subsequent yr or not, this was one ultimate regular-season run to indicate each group within the NBA – together with Boston – that he greater than belongs.

To those that do not watch the Celtics intently, his efficiency Sunday might need appeared like an outlier. It was statistically talking, however it wasn’t in any respect stunning based mostly on who he’s and what he brings every evening.

Along with the dearth of taking part in time, he’s additionally handled plantar fasciitis and a bone bruise on his heel that triggered him ache at any time when he stepped. Balancing that setback with every thing else could not have been simple, however Pritchard did his finest to remain affected person and belief his work.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has taken discover, crediting him for “at all times dealing with it the proper manner.”

“He has a competitiveness, a professionalism and a piece ethic about him that you simply at all times belief regardless of when he goes in, he’s going to be able to play,” Mazzulla mentioned. “I’m actually completely happy for him, and I’ve the utmost respect for him.”