Payton Pritchard shines with 34 points as Celtics finish regular season strong

In the United States, the Boston Celtics concluded their regular season on Sunday with a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Payton Pritchard excelled, scoring 34 points, while Sam Hauser contributed 15 points to secure a 93-86 victory. This game was significant as it marked the last contest of the season for both teams, with the Celtics finishing the season with a record of 61 wins and 21 losses. Notably, neither team played any of their regular starters, as both opted to rest their key players ahead of the upcoming playoffs. In the previous match against the same opponent just two days earlier, the Celtics achieved a decisive 130-94 victory, also without their main players, aside from Jaylen Brown who was sidelined with a sore knee. The coach, Joe Mazzulla, exercised strategy by allowing his reserves more playing time in the final games, focusing on maintaining team health and readiness for the playoffs. Boston ended the season on a high note, thus positioning themselves favorably as they prepared to defend their NBA title next weekend. The Boston Celtics achieved this impressive record while ingraining themselves into the history books further with their performance throughout the season. The team’s remarkable ability to maintain such a high winning percentage showcases their depth and resilience. Payton Pritchard has emerged as a key player during this season, posting career-high averages in multiple categories, which qualifies him as a strong candidate for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. The Celtics not only boasted a solid offense but also exhibited a sturdy defense, allowing them to outscore opponents by a significant margin. However, this season was not without its challenges, as the Charlotte Hornets endured another disappointing campaign. With a record of 19 wins and 63 losses, they are likely to miss the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year, a situation that raises concerns about the future of the franchise. The Celtics, meanwhile, look ahead to the playoffs with optimism, aiming for a repeat victory as champions, leveraging their recent successes as motivation.