Payton Pritchard Gives Celtics A Scoring Spark The Bulls Can’t Stop

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Payton Pritchard has made the Chicago Bulls’ last two visits to Boston especially difficult. The Celtics guard scored a season-high 30 points off the bench Friday, leading Boston to a 125-111 win in its NBA Cup opener.

It was the second time in five days Pritchard had taken over against Chicago. He scored 28 points in just 22 minutes during Boston’s 134-99 victory Monday. Across the two games, he put up 58 points against the Bulls.

Pritchard Changed The Game Before Halftime

Pritchard scored 20 points in the first half Friday as Boston built a commanding lead. He finished 9-for-17 from the field and made all nine of his free throws, giving the Celtics a steady scoring threat whether he was shooting from outside or attacking the basket.

PAYTON PRITCHARD TONIGHT: 30 POINTS 3 REBOUNDS 3 ASSISTS 2 STEALS 9/17 FGM 35 MINUTES https://t.co/nwcEg1cIQw

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 31, 2026

His 30 points led every player in the game, and he did it without starting. That role gives Boston another way to create offense when Jayson Tatum and Paul George draw the defense’s attention.

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Chicago Still Has No Answer

Pritchard’s scoring came from more than one place. He made three 3-pointers, got to the free-throw line and continued to put pressure on the Bulls’ defense. Monday’s 28-point night leaned more heavily on his outside shooting; Friday, he showed he could reach 30 with a different mix.

The back-to-back performances are a reminder of what Pritchard can add to the Celtics’ offense. Tatum can lead the way, but Boston also has a proven scorer ready to change the game from the bench.

Chicago has now watched Pritchard score 28 and 30 points in the same week. That is a tough pattern for the Bulls to carry into their next meeting with Boston.