Joe Mazzulla on how Payton Pritchard has upped his defensive chops with Boston Celtics

Defense is probably not the first thing that you think of when you think about Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard. But the University of Oregon alum has always defended bigger than his (listed) 6-foot-1 frame might have you think, and he has taken strides to improve his game on that end of the court even more this season. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had plenty to say about how Pritchard has found the energy required to impact the game on both ends this season after Boston's 125-111 win over the Chicago Bulls Friday (Oct. 30) night."I think Payton’s a guy that gets better every year, and I think the skies are looking for him," said Mazzulla. "I think he hasn’t completely tapped into the player that he can become, and that’s being complete on both ends of the floor and not being defined by one thing.""I think in tonight’s game you saw the absolute best version of him," said the Celtics coach. "Now it takes a ton of energy, and he’s not going to be able to do that every single night, but the sky’s the limit for him.""As we continue to grow as a team, he continues to grow as a player," offered Mazzulla. "Being a key player on both ends of the floor really helps us take it to a different level, so he’s got more in the tank.""He’s a kid that can continue to get better and better. I like pushing him, I like coaching him, and I love him like a brother.".oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}Listen to "On Week 1 of the 2026-27 season for Celtics, NBA (no beef included)" on Spreaker..oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKpiTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Joe Mazzulla on how Payton Pritchard has upped his defensive chops with Boston Celtics