The Boston Celtics have kept Payton Pritchard on the sidelines for most of the Eastern Conference Finals, playing only 12 minutes in the final games gearing up towards the Finals.

However, not seeing the court much in a live gametime situation didn’t hold Pritchard back any, in fact, he was full of energy against a well-rested Golden State Warriors team.

In Game 1, Pritchard was critical in the Celtics fourth quarter success on both ends of the court. He scored eight points on 3-4 shooting and added six rebounds and two assists in his Finals debut.

What I found to be most impressive was the way Pritchard worked the perimeter when defending Steph Curry and Klay Thompson at times.

Ime Udoka knows he has a great matchup with Payton Pritchard and Steph Curry 🔒 👀 #Celtics #AllAbout18
pic.twitter.com/Q2bZDohKi9

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) June 5, 2022

Pritchard was also fast and ready to go in transition opportunities, one that even stunned Jayson Tatum.

Celtics flying out in transition! pic.twitter.com/ILMm9QvgpI

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 3, 2022

Pritchard is definitely an x-factor in this series for Boston. He’s all of a sudden a trick up Ime Udoka’s sleeve, a secret weapon he can pull out of his back pocket. Pritchard’s blue collar style fits well in this series.

Payton Pritchard said that not playing earlier in the season really gave him time to focus on his game and work on a few things so that he’ll “always be ready” when needed, as he told @RealBobManning

Pritchard was a critical part in Boston’s 4th qtr success in Game 1 #Celtics

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) June 4, 2022

Game 2 is tonight at 8PM.

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Photo Credit: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images