Payton Pritchard joins exclusive club with 500th career 3-pointer originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Payton Pritchard isn’t just one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA this season. He is one of the best sharpshooters in Boston Celtics history.
Pritchard led the C’s with 27 points on 7-of-15 shooting from deep Thursday’s 123-99 victory against the Detroit Pistons. During the game, he made his 500th 3-pointer to become the 10th Celtics player to reach that milestone.
Pritchard also became the first player in C history to record at least 25 points, 10 assists and five 3-pointers coming off the bench.
The names around Pritchard on the list above speak volumes about the Oregon product’s 3-point prowess. He will soon pass Avery Bradley (520) for ninth in 3-point shooting, and Bradley has played in 413 games for the C’s. Thursday marked Pritchard’s 291st game.
Just above Pritchard and Bradley are Al Horford (639) and Larry Bird (649). Suffice it to say, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year favorite is in pretty good company.
Pritchard is the favorite for sixth man of the year averaging 16.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 48.7 percent (43 percent from 3) in 24 games. After Thursday’s victory, he shared his views on the possibility of winning this prestigious award.
“It’s not something I really think about,” he said. “If I’m lucky enough to win, I guess it’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put in. I think it just means I’m helping this team come off the bench and do my job at a high level.
“So it’s not something that is like me, if I don’t win or if I don’t win, it’s not decisive for me. I’ll continue what I’m doing. But yes, it would be an honor .”
Pritchard will look to stay hot when the C’s visit the Washington Wizards this Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.
