BOSTON — At a March shootaround in Miami earlier this season, Payton Pritchard emphasized the pride he’s taken in his defensive growth: the backup point guard told CelticsBlog he aspired to become one of the Celtics’ top defenders.
“I want to be that guy,” he said, explaining that he relishes the moments where opposing stars target him.
And, in a five-game playoff series against the Orlando Magic, Pritchard demonstrated those words don’t ring hollow: he’s become an asset on that end of the floor.
When Jrue Holiday went down with a hamstring strain after Game 2, the Celtics found themselves in a bind.