Doc Rivers Reacts to Pritchard's Buzzer: "That Was a Big Shot"
The Boston Celtics narrowly escaped with a 108-107 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night, thanks to a clutch buzzer-beating three-pointer from Payton Pritchard.
The game was a nail-biter from start to finish, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Raptors held a slight lead going into the final minute, but a crucial turnover by Fred VanVleet gave the Celtics a chance to tie the game.
That's when Pritchard stepped up. With the clock ticking down, he received a pass from Jayson Tatum and launched a deep three-pointer from the top of the key. The ball swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the TD Garden crowd into a frenzy.
"That was a big shot," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said of Pritchard's game-winner. "He's been shooting the ball well lately, and he's confident. He's got that killer instinct."
Rivers went on to praise Pritchard's composure in the clutch, noting that he didn't seem fazed by the pressure of the moment.
"He's not afraid of the big moment," Rivers said. "He wants the ball in his hands. He's a tough kid."
Pritchard's clutch shot wasn't the only reason the Celtics won the game. Jayson Tatum led the team with 27 points, and Jaylen Brown added 22 points. However, it was Pritchard's heroics that stole the show and ultimately secured the victory for Boston.
This victory was crucial for the Celtics, who are currently in a tight race for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. They will need to continue to rely on players like Pritchard to step up in big moments if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Pritchard's buzzer-beater was a testament to his growing confidence and his ability to perform under pressure. It was a moment that will undoubtedly be remembered by Celtics fans for years to come.