The Boston Celtics finished the 2024-25 season with a 61-21 record thanks to a 93-86 home win over the visiting Charlotte Hornets. With the postseason set to begin next weekend, the reigning NBA champions can turn their attention to defending their title.
Raising another banner is the ultimate goal for this club, and a deep playoff run is the expectation. Indeed, Boston has a good shot at doing exactly that. And although a few members of the Celtics might end up winning some of the NBA's end of season awards, the guys in green are maintaining a focus on that shared objective. Payton Pritchard made that clear following the final game of the season, when he downplayed any hype about the possibility of him winning the 2025 Sixth Man of the Year award.
Pritchard said it would be a great honor, but he's not sweating the results. He even turned down an opportunity to campaign for himself during his postgame press conference.
"I feel like I put myself in the best situation possible to win, and so I'm proud of that," Pritchard said. "And I feel like I've done my job as far as helping this team come off the bench and be a spark, and try to be the best bench player in the league."
"If I get voted for it, it's an unbelievable award, and it would be a great honor. But at the end of the day, it's out of my control if they vote for me or not," Pritchard added. "So we'll see."
Pritchard had one of his best campaigns as a pro, averaging a career-high 14.1 points per game, shooting an efficient 47% from the field for the year. He also logged 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds, coming off the bench in 79 of the 81 games he played this season.
His hot shooting and ability to light it up from deep has been a big asset for Boston. He gives the Celtics offense another gear, and offers head coach Joe Mazzulla a ...
