Celtics' Payton Pritchard Leads NBA in Impressive Stat

The 6-foot-1 guard has stepped up with Jayson Tatum out due to injury.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:15pm

Payton Pritchard, the 6-foot-1 Boston Celtics guard, has emerged as one of the most underrated No. 3 scoring options in the NBA. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Pritchard has received a more significant offensive role and has thrived, leading the league in the impressive stat of most games this season with 25+ points and zero free throws attempted.

Why it matters

Pritchard's ability to score efficiently without relying on free throws is a testament to his well-rounded offensive game and the trust the Celtics have placed in him to be a key contributor in Tatum's absence. His performance could help the Celtics remain competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The details

Payton Pritchard, the 23-year-old second-year guard out of Oregon, has emerged as a valuable asset for the Boston Celtics this season. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Pritchard has stepped up and taken on a more significant offensive role, leading the league in the impressive stat of most games this season with 25+ points and zero free throws attempted.

  • Payton Pritchard was drafted by the Celtics in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft.
  • Tatum suffered an Achilles injury earlier this season, sidelining him for several weeks.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A 23-year-old second-year guard for the Boston Celtics who was drafted in the first round in 2020.

Jayson Tatum

The star forward for the Boston Celtics who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury.

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The takeaway

Pritchard's ability to score efficiently without relying on free throws demonstrates his well-rounded offensive game and the trust the Celtics have placed in him to be a key contributor in Tatum's absence. His performance could help the Celtics remain competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.