BOSTON (AP) — Payton Pritchard scored a career-high 43 points and knocked down a career-best 10 three-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 3-pointers, making them the first Celtic duo to score 40 or more points in the same game. They also made NBA history as the first duo to both hit nine or more three-pointers each during the same game. With stars Jayson Tatum (shoulder), Jrue Holiday (finger), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all sidelined, Pritchard picked up the scoring load, leading the Celtics to their eighth victory in ten games.
The game was competitive from the get-go, with both teams trading leads throughout the first half, resulting in five ties and 15 lead changes. Boston, playing at home, showcased their depth, as they made significant adjustments to their defensive coverage.
While the Celtics struggled early, outscoring the Blazers 36-27 during the third quarter helped them build momentum. Pritchard was instrumental, scoring 19 points during the third, pushing Boston to lead 102-82 entering the fourth. Anfernee Simons had 30 points for the Blazers and Shaedon Sharpe added 25.
Despite showcasing their potential, the Blazers couldn't keep pace with the Celtics' shooting abilities. "You prepared for this team and you talk about the shot-making and ball-movement, it’s really elite," said Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. He praised both Pritchard and White’s performance, conveying awe at their scoring capabilities.
"I haven’t seen it," Billups admitted, referring to the duo's historic achievement. The Celtics finished with 23 three-pointers made overall, showing insight to their strong offensive strategy, with Pritchard helping to establish dominance from deep.
The game also marked the Blazers' inability to beat a winning team since February 6 and lowered their record to 28-34 on the season. The Celtics, now at 43-18, showcased their depth and ability to contend at the highest levels of competition, even with missing key players.
Key moments included the powerful finish by the Celtics, who effectively sealed their victory by executing precise defensive plays and sinking free throws late in the game, allowing them to secure the win even as the Blazers cut it to within 124-116 with 2:35 left on the clock.
Pritchard’s performance is particularly noteworthy; he ranked fourth in the NBA for making five or more three-pointers across 20 games this season. Pritchard completed the game with 14-of-20 shooting alongside 10 rebounds and five assists, securing his place as one of the game’s pivotal players.
Next up for the Blazers is their concluding game of the seven-game road trip against Oklahoma City on March 7. The Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers on March 6, marking another chance for Boston to continue building on this momentum.
For the Celtics, this win reaffirms their championship ambitions as having depth continues to play to their advantage. "It’s huge to see reserves step up like they did tonight," remarked Celtics’ coach. The team’s ability to adapt and thrive without key players bodes well for their playoff aspirations.