Celtics’ Payton Pritchard scores career-high 31 points against Hornets

In a game where the Celtics rested all of their stars, Payton Pritchard’s light shone brightest.

Normally reserved for a key role off the bench, Pritchard started and played 30 minutes in the first three quarters before playing for the final quarter. He commanded the Celtics’ offense and scored a career-high 31 points with 11 assists for good measure.

Impressive, it probably won’t even be the most remarkable feat he achieves this weekend.

That’s because Pritchard is set to play in all 82 games this season. Without any lingering injuries to hinder him, he should definitely reach that milestone. If he does, he will be the only Boston player to appear in every game and one of six NBA players this season with 100% availability.

“It’s definitely a big accomplishment for me,” Pritchard said. “Playing 82 games is tough, all summer long, the work I put in to prepare my body for that. But also just my journey, like last year and my sophomore year, times where I didn’t play at all, and how frustrating it is and how much it hurts sometimes.

“But it just inspired me to keep working.” And, for this coming year and playing 82 games and being a part of the best team in the NBA and trying to do something special, it feels really good.

Pritchard’s consistency on the court improved this season as he occupied an established role at the 7th spot in the Celtics rotation. After the game, Pritchard noted how it helped him improve his game and become a more valuable player for Boston.

“Having a consistent role for a whole season is really beneficial,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I think this is the first time he’s experienced this where we know every night exactly when he’s playing, where he’s playing and what his potential is.”

Prichard noted that he is still working to improve his game and become a more complete point guard in terms of distributing the ball. But, with 11 assists overall and five in the first quarter, it’s clear he’s made progress in that area.

Pritchard helped lead Boston to a 131-98 victory in a battle of teams that had nothing to play for. It appears he will start again for the Celtics’ regular season finale — and Game 82 — against the Wizards on Sunday.