Celtics’ Payton Pritchard says Patrick Beverley’s antics ‘lit a fire’ under him
"I felt like he was trying to clown one of our teammates, so definitely took it a little personal."
Payton Pritchard shot a scorching hot 5-for-8 from 3-point range en route to a 19-point performance that helped lift the Celtics over the Bucks Wednesday night.
The reserve guard said he found some extra motivation when Milwaukee’s Patrick Beverley taunted Luke Kornet with the “too small” gesture after hitting a turnaround jumper over the 7-foot-1 center.
“I remember seeing it, but I don’t know, it kind of lit a little fire in me,” Pritchard said. “I felt like he was trying to clown one of our teammates, so definitely took it a little personal.”
Pritchard said Beverley’s move inspired him to bring a more energetic presence to the court. Beverley prides himself on bringing energy and toughness, Pritchard said, so he tried to bring even more himself.
In addition to his scoring, Pritchard grabbed six rebounds and dished out three assists. Pritchard said he feels that chippy games bring the best out of him, and that Wednesday night’s atmosphere at TD Garden charged him up.
“I feel like that was kind of a playoff game,” Pritchard said. “It had the atmosphere like it, the energy in the building. I just was ready for it.”
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted Pritchard’s rebounding and effort on the defensive end.
“Everybody always talks about his shooting, but I think this year in particular he’s been impacted by his rebounding,” said Mazzulla.
“He’s been impacted by his defense, his pace, getting down the floor and getting us into our actions quick in the shot clock,” Mazzulla added. “Getting into the paint and finding guys. He’s just becoming a really well-rounded player who knows he can have a positive impact on the game in many different ways, and it’s a huge asset for us.”
Pritchard wrestled Milwaukee center Brook Lopez for an offensive rebound in the first half and won the battle, ripping the ball away.
“Just a winning play,” Pritchard said. “He’s a 7-footer and I’m 6 feet, which is little by NBA standards. Just a competitor.”
Pritchard and Jayson Tatum shot a combined 9-for-15 from 3-point range. Tatum scored eight points in the final 2:06 of the game to seal the win.
“First of all, we’re just trying to get a good shot every time,” Pritchard said. “For me when I’m handling it, I’m pushing the pace, getting it down quick, seeing whose on me and where’s [Jayson Tatum] at, he’s obviously our go-to. It’s just making the right reads when they isolate and everybody is fanned out than it’s my turn to attack.”
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