NEW YORK CITY — On Wednesday night, the Celtics stunningly became the first team in NBA history to blow 20-point leads in back-to-back playoff games. One more letdown loss would have thrust them into treacherous territory, trailing the Knicks 3-0, despite being the overwhelming favorites entering the second-round match-up.
The outside noise following the Celtics’ second consecutive fourth-quarter collapse grew loud, with national media and fans alike questioning the defending champions’ toughness.
But, Payton Pritchard — who opts to avoid television discourse and social media — didn’t mind.
“You wouldn’t want to be in any other position as a competitor,” he said.