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Payton Pritchard Gets Candid After 30-Point Masterclass: 'I Like to Dance With It'

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 10:32 AM ET

Boston Celtics star Payton Pritchard had one of the best games of his career on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Pritchard came off the bench and torched the Lakers’ defense, finishing with 30 points on 66.7% shooting from deep. The 2025 Sixth Man of the Year also had four rebounds and eight assists.

One of the highlights of the contest was how Pritchard broke down the defense multiple times. On one occasion, he was matched up with Jarred Vanderbilt, and the undersized guard showed off his handles. He knocked down a step-back jumper over the defensive big man.

Pritchard had his moment at the Crypto.com Arena, and he did not disappoint.

After the Celtics’ 111-89 win over the Lakers, Payton Pritchard had a candid response to his performance.

“The ball in my hands, sometimes I like to dance with it,” the Celtics guard said.

"The ball in my hands, sometimes I like to dance with it."

Hear from Payton Pritchard after his 30 point performance. pic.twitter.com/dONu55iRwR

— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) February 23, 2026

This season, Pritchard is having one of the best seasons of his career. The backup guard has appeared in 54 games, averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists on 36.1% shooting from deep. Against the Lakers, the 2024 champion also posted his fourth 30-point game of the season.

There is still a lot of basketball to be played and Pritchard can continue his outstanding season to prepare for the upcoming postseason.

Jaylen Brown is happy for Payton Pritchard’s success

Payton Pritchard is playing like an All-Star for the Celtics this season. Without Jayson Tatum, the backup guard has performed like the second-best player for the team behind Jaylen Brown. After their statement win over the Lakers, Brown expressed how happy he was for Pritchard’s success.

“I’m happy to see it. Nobody happier to see it than me,” Brown said.

Jaylen Brown said Payton Pritchard has been playing at an “All-Star level” lately:

“I'm happy to see it. Nobody happier to see it than me.” pic.twitter.com/zYs2dXOmpS

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) February 23, 2026

Brown also joked that he has one thing to do when Pritchard has it going. According to the one-time Finals MVP, all he has to do once the sixth man gets into his rhythm is to “get the hell out of the way.”

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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