In this article
PHILADELPHIA — Payton Pritchard said Brad Stevens deserves credit for the people in the Boston Celtics’ locker room after Tuesday’s 123-101 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Paul George had called the camaraderie his favorite thing about Boston. When Noa Dalzell asked Pritchard about it after the game, he said Stevens chooses players for more than their basketball ability. He looks for hard workers who are good to have in the locker room, Pritchard said.
Payton Pritchard Credits Brad Stevens For Celtics Chemistry
“We have a great group, and everybody enjoys being around each other. So that makes a difference. You want to see the next man win,” Pritchard said.
Stevens is Boston’s president of basketball operations. Pritchard said the teammates want George and Jayson Tatum to have big games, and they enjoy watching whoever has it going on a particular night.
Pritchard Makes All Four Threes After Halftime
George scored 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, with 14 coming in the fourth quarter. Tatum finished with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Pritchard had 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists off the bench in 29 minutes and 46 seconds. Boston outscored the 76ers by 26 while he was on the floor.
In the first half, Pritchard missed all 4 of his 3-point attempts. He made all 4 after halftime. His second 3 of the third quarter came 17 seconds after Tyrese Maxey had tied the score at 79, putting Boston ahead for the rest of the game.
The Celtics led 91-82 going into the fourth, and Pritchard made their first two baskets of the quarter, both from 3-point range. With 10:13 remaining, Boston was up 97-82. George hit another 3 before Philadelphia scored its first points of the period.
Boston improved to 9-2 and plays again Wednesday in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET. The 76ers fell to 9-3.
Join the conversation