Pritchard Aims to Shift Perception of His Defensive Skills
Payton Pritchard is determined to prove he can be a two-way player
Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics, NBA, Washington Wizards, Basketball
Boston: Payton Pritchard is having a standout season with the Celtics. But he’s not resting on his laurels. The 26-year-old point guard is pushing himself to improve.
He’s averaging a solid 16.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. His shooting stats are impressive too, with a 48.5 field goal percentage and 43.5 from beyond the arc. He’s made 101 three-pointers, just behind Anthony Edwards.
This isn’t just a lucky streak. Pritchard has been consistent over the last 26 games, making him a strong contender for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.
After a recent game against the Wizards, where he scored 15 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Pritchard shared his thoughts on his defense. He’s aware of the criticism that labels him as a defensive liability, and it bothers him.
“I want to be known as a two-way player,” he said. He’s determined to change that narrative and prove his critics wrong.
Pritchard is focused on improving his defensive game. He knows that even with great defense, opponents can still make tough shots. It’s about consistency and wearing them down over the game.
He’s working on causing deflections and getting steals, and he’s eager to improve at taking charges. Pritchard is competitive and not afraid of a challenge. He’s made significant progress since joining the Celtics, and with his dedication, he could become a true two-way player soon.