BOS • Guard • #11
Pritchard has been the favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year honors for most of this season, and he showed why on Sunday. With some of Boston’s stars having slow days at the office, Pritchard provided excellent offensive value off the bench. Add in Derrick White’s 30 points and Jrue Holiday (9/3/5/3 with three three-pointers) hitting three timely third-quarter threes while playing stifling defense, and the Celtics were able to take care of business in Game 1. Pritchard’s ability to provide scoring in quick bursts will be important in this series, especially if the Magic can slow down star wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
13 days ago
April 20, 2025 10:23 PM
BOS • Forward-Center • #8
4 days ago
Porzingis got into foul trouble in Game 5, picking up three fouls during the first half. And for the second straight game, he was brought off the bench to begin the third quarter. Payton Pritchard (10/3/1 with two three-pointers in 25 minutes) started the third as the Celtics went small. Porzingis played 22 and 21 minutes in the final two games of this series, so the time off before the start of the second round may be beneficial to the Celtics center. Next up for Boston is either New York or Detroit.
BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
4 days ago
Brown’s right knee continues to be an issue, but he logged 32 minutes in Game 5 and was efficient offensively. Boston taking care of business in five games will provide the banged-up champions with valuable rest before the second round begins. And this group made some franchise history, winning their fifth consecutive playoff series. That’s the sixth time the Celtics have accomplished that feat. However, the Brown/Tatum-led Celtics are the first to win all five series in five games or fewer. Next up for the reigning champs will be either New York or Detroit in the second round.
Source: Sean Grande
BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
4 days ago
Closing out a series can be difficult, as the Celtics were reminded on Tuesday. They trailed Orlando by two at the half, with Tatum shooting 6-of-9 from the field. He would only make four more field goals on the night, but the six-time All-Star took advantage of the foul line. Tatum made all 11 of his attempts in Game 5, extending his streak to 37 consecutive made free throws. With New York losing to Detroit on Tuesday, the Celtics will have a rest advantage to begin the second round, regardless of who their next opponent will be.
GSW • Guard • #0
about 12 hours ago
Warriors coach Steve Kerr started Payton over Brandin Podziemski, with the veteran wing capable of helping out defensively and making the Rockets pay out of the dunker spot. Unfortunately, the change did not result in increased production from either player. Payton shot 40 percent from the field, while Podziemski (10/7/3/1 with two three-pointers) shot 4-of-9. Given how Game 6 played out, it would be unsurprising if Kerr returned to Podziemski as his starter for Game 7 on Sunday.
GSW • Guard • #30
about 12 hours ago
After not waiting long into the second half of Game 5 to pull the plug, Warriors coach Steve Kerr played his key options heavy minutes on Friday in hopes of ending the series. Unfortunately for him, the move didn’t work, despite the efforts of Curry and Jimmy Butler. They combined to score 56 points, but the other three starters combined 13 on 5-of-17 shooting. The Rockets have used multiple approaches to defending Curry, and while the numbers have remained, his efficiency has taken a hit in the last two games. He’ll look to rebound in Game 7 on Sunday.
HOU • Guard • #5
about 13 hours ago
After scoring 17 points or less in the series’ first three games, VanVleet has kicked things up a notch at the right time. He’s scored 25 or more in three straight, shooting over 50 percent from the field in each outing. Due to VanVleet’s performance on Friday, the Rockets will host a Game 7 on Sunday. While he hasn’t been the most consistent shooter, VanVleet has a history of stepping up in big moments. With his team trailing three games to one, the veteran point guard made good on that reputation in Games 5 and 6.
