The Boston Celtics made headlines on Wednesday night as Payton Pritchard and Derrick White etched their names in franchise history. In the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum, the duo stepped up in spectacular fashion, leading the Celtics to a 128-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Pritchard delivered a career-high 43 points, while White added 41, making them the first pair of Celtics teammates to ever score at least 40 points in the same game.
A Historic Performance
Given the Celtics’ rich history, featuring legends like Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and Bill Russell, it is remarkable that this scoring feat had never been accomplished before. Typically, Boston’s offensive firepower is spearheaded by Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have recorded 15 games where both scored at least 30 points but never 40. Pritchard and White’s exceptional performances marked just the 26th time in NBA history that teammates have each scored 40 or more points in the same game, including the playoffs.
In addition to their scoring milestone, Pritchard and White also became the first duo in NBA history to make at least nine three-pointers apiece in a single game. Their sharpshooting display showcased their ability to stretch the floor and efficiently lead the offense in Tatum’s absence.
Individual Highlights
Payton Pritchard’s Stats vs. Trail Blazers:
- 43 points
- 10 rebounds
- 5 assists
- 14-20 field goals
- 10-16 three-pointers
- 5-5 free throws
- 43 minutes played
Derrick White’s Stats vs. Trail Blazers:
- 41 points
- 3 rebounds
- 2 assists
- 3 steals
- 1 block
- 1 turnover
- 14-26 field goals
- 9-17 three-pointers
- 4-4 free throws
- 39 minutes played
Career-Best Nights
Prior to Wednesday’s breakout game, Pritchard’s career-high was 38 points, which he set against the Washington Wizards in April 2024. In that performance, he made only four three-pointers, making his 10 threes against the Trail Blazers an even more impressive feat. His previous best from beyond the arc was nine threes, set in 2023 against the Atlanta Hawks.
White also shattered his previous career high, which stood at 33 points from a 2023 matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. He made eight three-pointers in that game but exceeded that total by making nine on Wednesday night.
Chasing the All-Time Three-Point Record
Despite their incredible shooting performances, neither Pritchard nor White could match Klay Thompson’s NBA record of 14 three-pointers in a single game, set against the Chicago Bulls in 2018. Other notable players to reach 13 threes in a game include Damian Lillard, Zach LaVine, and Stephen Curry, who recently made 12 threes against the Orlando Magic on February 27.
Conclusion
Pritchard and White’s historic night is a testament to the Celtics’ depth and ability to win without their star players. Their record-setting performances not only secured an important victory but also highlighted the team’s offensive versatility. As Boston continues its push toward the playoffs, performances like these will only strengthen their championship aspirations. Celtics fans can take pride in witnessing history, as this dynamic duo delivered one of the most memorable performances in franchise history.
Source:https://www.sportingnews.com/
