Entering this weekend I was giving the Boston Celtics all my attention as I couldn’t bear to watch another Patriots loss. Fortunately for me, the Celtics went 2-0 while in Abu Dhabi against the Denver Nuggets to open the preseason.
The first game was on Friday where Boston won 107-103. Both teams used their normal rotation for the first half before giving minutes to the bench unit to close the game. There was one big takeaway from both games – Payton Pritchard doesn’t mess around.
Boston won the second game more comfortably (130-104), albeit the Nuggets didn’t play Aaron Gordon or Michael Porter Jr in the second game.
In preseason, for those who have their contracts and know that regardless of how they play in preseason, their spot in the lineup is guaranteed. Pritchard, who extended his contract almost one year ago to the day, plays as if he’s an undrafted rookie trying to make the final roster spot.
In both games, Pritchard picked up his man full court and was a constant pest on defense, forcing the Nuggets ball handlers to protect the ball the full 90 feet. On offense, Pritchard didn’t hesitate to let his shot fly. The former Oregon guard scored a team-high 21 points to go along with six assists and four rebounds in 24 minutes.
The point of preseason is to slowly build chemistry and implement the work you put into the offseason. Pritchard, no matter if it’s a Pro-Am or a preseason game, always walks onto the court with a point to prove.
Pritchard spoke about improving and he listed some aspects of his game he’s trying to improve:
“Getting more consistent off the dribble with the three ball,” Pritchard said. “I thought my finishing and mid-range game last year took a big jump, so I thought that was really good. Obviously, I’m always working on that stuff. But, if I can be more efficient shooting off the dribble from there, as well as the catch-and-shoot, then that completes my game.”
In addition to his offense, Pritchard also wants to be a better defender.
“Then defensively, just finding ways to be better at taking charges, getting more hands-on balls, steals and stuff like that. So, if I can make a jump then I’ll keep improving as a player.”
Last year, the question going into the season was if Pritchard can make an impact on the defensive end. His offense has never been in question, but at 6’1, fans feared other teams would try and focus on him on defense.
Frankly, he must have heard the noise and showed he’s more than a capable defender and came up with big steals across the season.
Thankfully for Boston fans, Pritchard is on a solid deal entering the first year of his four-year $30 million contract.
Boston is back in the United States for its next preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday at 8 p.m.
