It took Pritchard, who subbed in late in the first quarter, just 46 seconds to hit his first 3-pointer. Three possessions later, he was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three free throws. Twenty seconds after that, he drained a three in transition after a Kristaps Porzingis steal. Three minutes, nine points.

Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony (50) drives between Boston Celtics' Payton Pritchard (11) and Jrue Holiday (4) during the second half in Game 1 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) AP

Pritchard’s single-handedly outscored the Magic bench in Game 1 of the Celtics playoffs. But his defense is what stood out most to coaches and teammates.