Boston fans witnessed a thrilling Monday night performance as Celtics guard Payton Pritchard delivered a standout showing, scoring 28 points and tying a franchise record for three-pointers made off the bench. In a game packed with high-energy plays and big-time scoring from both sides, Boston claimed a decisive 119-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Pritchard, whose hot hand led him to make eight of his twelve three-point attempts, became the latest hero for a Celtics team that continues to assert itself as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.
The win came not only through Pritchard’s incredible shooting but also with major contributions from Jaylen Brown, who led Boston with a season-high 30 points, and Jrue Holiday, who added 21 points of his own. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s star duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo put up formidable numbers with 33 and 30 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to fend off Boston’s relentless offensive onslaught.
Pritchard’s Historic Night: Shooting with Precision and Confidence
Few could have predicted Pritchard’s breakout performance off the bench, but the 25-year-old guard proved he was ready for the spotlight. With each three-pointer, the TD Garden crowd grew louder, rallying behind his impressive shooting streak. Pritchard’s eight made threes tied Eddie House’s record for most three-pointers off the bench in franchise history—a feat that’s only added to his rising stock within Boston’s lineup.
Even Bucks head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged Pritchard’s impact on the game, noting postgame that he had “literally circled” Pritchard’s name before the game. Rivers remarked that the Celtics guard’s three-point barrage changed the game’s dynamics, making him the clear catalyst in Boston’s victory. Pritchard finished with a stat line that included five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, proving he was more than just a sharpshooter on this particular night.
Beyond Pritchard, the Celtics benefitted from a balanced scoring effort. Brown’s 30 points came with 21 in the second half, as he turned up his aggression after halftime to keep the Bucks at bay. Holiday, hitting four of his seven attempts from deep, provided additional scoring support, keeping Milwaukee’s defense stretched.
Brown and Holiday Shine, While Tatum Struggles to Find Rhythm
Jaylen Brown’s second-half surge was key to Boston’s ability to close out the Bucks. After scoring just nine points in the first half, Brown exploded in the final two quarters, going 10 for 17 from the field and putting in the kind of high-energy play that kept Boston’s momentum strong. Brown’s aggressive drives to the basket and accurate mid-range shooting kept Milwaukee’s defenders on their heels, opening up additional looks for his teammates.
Holiday’s 21-point performance included some timely three-point shooting that kept Milwaukee from mounting any serious comeback efforts. The former Buck hit four of his seven three-point shots and showcased his all-around game with strong defensive stops against Milwaukee’s star guards. His composure and court vision also helped keep the Celtics’ offense fluid, preventing Milwaukee from exploiting any major gaps.
On the other hand, it wasn’t Jayson Tatum’s best night. Despite tallying 15 points, Tatum struggled with his shot, going just 6 of 16 from the field, including a frustrating 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. Tatum did contribute in other ways, though, pulling down eight rebounds, dishing out four assists, and recording two steals. It was a reminder that even on an off night, Tatum’s presence remains valuable for Boston’s overall game plan.
Bucks Duo of Lillard and Antetokounmpo Fall Short Despite Strong Scoring
For Milwaukee, it was a night of missed opportunities despite strong performances from Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard led all scorers with 33 points and consistently kept the Bucks within striking distance through his playmaking and shooting. Antetokounmpo’s 30-point outing included his signature drives and powerful finishes at the rim, but even with these two stars firing, Milwaukee couldn’t quite match Boston’s balanced attack.
The Bucks started strong, closing the first quarter with a 29-28 lead and heading into halftime with a slim 56-53 advantage. But as the Celtics’ offense heated up, especially from deep, Milwaukee’s defense couldn’t contain the wave of shooters Boston threw at them. Though Milwaukee outrebounded Boston 27-20 in the first half, they couldn’t capitalize on the boards as the game progressed.
It was clear that Boston’s defensive adjustments and timely scoring runs, particularly in the third and fourth quarters, took the steam out of Milwaukee’s comeback efforts. As Doc Rivers said after the game, Boston’s ability to capitalize on Pritchard’s shooting and Brown’s second-half scoring made the difference.
Celtics Look Ahead: Maintaining Momentum on the Road
With the win, Boston moves forward with even greater confidence as they head to Indiana for a Wednesday night showdown against the Pacers. As the Celtics seek to extend their strong start, their bench depth, showcased by Pritchard’s record-tying performance, becomes even more critical.
Boston fans have every reason to be optimistic about the season. With multiple players capable of stepping up on any given night, the Celtics’ offense has become a multi-faceted challenge for opponents. For now, Boston is embracing the collective effort that has led them to early success, underscoring a team chemistry that was on full display against Milwaukee.
