Pritchard shines as Celtics record second win over 76ers in four days (video)

Author: Monojit Mandal

Payton Pritchard once again demonstrated his brilliance as a scorer, helping the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 112-101 in a thrilling pre-season game on Wednesday night. The Celtics won their second game in four days, this time over the 76ers.

Pritchard, who has been on fire this preseason, scored 17 points and consolidated his position as Boston’s leading scorer for the third exhibition game in a row. Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White joined him in the spotlight, each scoring 11 points in a show of offensive skill in the first half. Pritchard added 10 points of his own to give the Celtics a 67-59 lead, with Porzingis taking over by scoring five of Boston’s first seven points.

Despite their exceptional efforts, Porzingis, Holiday and White played little part in the second half, each playing just 17 minutes. Pritchard, on the other hand, played 24 minutes and finished with a mark of 7 from 15 shots, including three of his nine shots from beyond the arc. White, who was the league leader in defensive blocks last season, made his presence felt with three blocks in the first half.

Kelly Oubre Jr., a recent addition to the 76ers, made an impressive debut, scoring 18 points on four successful three-point attempts. Tyrese Maxey wasn’t far behind, scoring 17 points for the 76ers. Unfortunately for Philadelphia fans, Joel Embiid and James Harden were not in the starting line-up.

Oubre’s extraordinary effort included a three-point basket in the corner that put the 76ers up 28-25 after a 10-0 run. He finished the first half with 16 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance, including four successful three-pointers. Oubre’s dunk on the baseline in the third quarter sparked an 8-0 run that tied the game at 72-72.

Payton Pritchard’s incredible scoring consistency came just two days after his 21-point outburst in a tight 114-107 loss to New York. He also stood out in the preseason opener, scoring 26 points in a 114-106 win over Philadelphia.

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Sacramento Kings 109-101 in Anaheim in another preseason game. D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 21 points, including 10 in a game-changing third quarter in which the Lakers scored 40 points, the match record. Gabe Vincent scored 18 points, while Rui Hachimura and Taurean Prince scored 13 each.