Entire Celtics Squad Finds Itself “in Payton Pritchard’s Bag” During Dominant Practice Showing
The Boston Celtics had an intense practice this week that turned unexpectedly one-sided, with backup guard Payton Pritchard showcasing an electrifying performance that reportedly left the entire squad in his “enormous bag.” Pritchard, known for his fearless energy and sharp shooting, has been making waves this season, and his recent display in practice left fans and teammates both impressed and a bit frustrated.
Pritchard’s Growth and Expanded Role
Pritchard’s dominant practice performance isn’t exactly surprising; it’s the culmination of months of offseason training, where he focused on his scoring versatility and defensive toughness. Pritchard has been working on his ability to drive to the basket, improve his shot creation, and raise his court vision, and this practice session was the perfect demonstration of his progress. By showing off his range, agility, and ability to make quick reads, Pritchard managed to get the better of multiple Celtics defenders, who admitted they were caught off guard by his elevated game.
“Payton’s always been a hard worker, but he’s taken his game to another level,” said Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. “We all know he can shoot, but he’s showing us so much more now. It’s tough to guard him when he’s that dialed in.”
Elevated Expectations After Pritchard’s Breakout Performance
Following this standout practice, head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Pritchard for his preparation and commitment to growth, noting that this type of intensity and skill is exactly what the Celtics need from their supporting cast if they want to make a strong playoff push. “Payton brings a spark every day, and today he just took it to another level,” Mazzulla remarked. “He’s been hungry to prove himself, and you can see that hunger translating into serious skills.”
Despite the praise, the team’s veterans jokingly expressed “irritation” at the guard’s nonstop barrage of jump shots and layups. Guard Jaylen Brown said, “He really had all of us in his bag today—it was irritating! But seriously, it’s great to see him pushing us and pushing himself like that.”
Looking Ahead: Pritchard’s Expanded Role
Pritchard’s stellar showing at practice has fans excited about his role for the upcoming season, especially with the Celtics’ increased focus on depth in their bench rotation. With his improved playmaking and reliable shooting, Pritchard could become a key rotation piece and provide much-needed energy off the bench. As he continues to evolve, it’s clear that Payton Pritchard is determined to make his mark on this Celtics squad—one practice, and possibly one game-winning shot, at a time.
