Despite getting a massive presence back on the court for Game 4, the Philadelphia 76ers didnât have anything to counter the Boston Celticsâ Payton Pritchard attack. Boston star Jaylen Brown went as far as nicknaming the reserve a former Los Angeles Lakers legend.
âPaytonâs been big time,â Brown told reporters after the game. âWe call him Big Shot Bob around here.â
The veteran sharpshooter came off the bench with a scorching hot hand and punished the Sixers from the jump. As the 76ers lost control of the game as early as the first quarter, the Celtics never let up.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics talks to head coach Joe Mazulla during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
In 34 minutes of action, Pritchard shot 12-21 from the field. He knocked down six out of 12 shots from beyond the arc. With his scoring, Pritchard produced 32 points. Beyond that, the veteran guard came down with four rebounds and produced five assists.
The Celtics dominated the Sixers 128-96, taking a 3-1 lead in the series.
âHe just makes timely plays, timely baskets. Those rebounds are big for us. His development has been great as well,â Brown continued on Pritchard.
âSometimes it has fallen under the radar with all the other guys that we have, but Payton has been very significant to our success. Tonight was an example of that. In his minutes, he just won every little play, and on top of that, made some big shots. Big-time game from Payton.â
From Big Shot Bob To Payton Pritchard
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 22: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 22, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)
Horry, a 1992 11th overall pick for the Houston Rockets, doesnât have a resume covered with All-NBA and All-Star nods. However, he was a contributor to seven different championship runs.
In two out of his first three NBA seasons, Horry won the NBA Championship with Houston. His first change of scenery came with the Phoenix Suns in 1996. Horry joined the Los Angeles Lakers the same year.
Horry ended up spending seven seasons with the Lakers. He appeared in 448 games. The numbers didnât jump off the stat sheet (6.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.2 APG), but the impact was still highly regarded in Los Angeles and across the league.
âBig Shot Bobâ won two titles in Houston, three in LA, and two with the San Antonio Spurs, his final stop in the NBA, before calling it a career in 2008.
Pritchard thrives off the bench in Boston. He contributed to the title team a couple of years ago and earned a Sixth Man of the Year nod in 2025. This season, Pritchard turned into a full-time starter for a large chunk of the season. He started in 50 of 79 games, which led to a big boost in production.
But in the playoffs, Pritchard is back to his role as a key reserve, and the numbers didnât take a major dip. Across four games against the Sixers, Pritchard is posting averages of 15.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds.
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