Exciting Game Recap: Celtics outshine 76ers 114-106 (Oct 8, 2023)

BOSTON — Payton Pritchard shines with 26 points in the Celtics’ victory over the 76ers

Payton Pritchard put on an impressive performance, scoring 26 points for the Boston Celtics in their preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. Pritchard, who recently signed a lucrative four-year, $30 million contract extension, shot 9 for 14 from the field, including 6 for 11 from beyond the arc. In addition to his scoring, he also contributed four assists in just 23 minutes of play.

The news of Pritchard’s contract extension was first reported by ESPN. After the game, Pritchard confirmed that he had signed the deal and expressed his relief and sense of security. He said, “When I signed it, it was almost like a relief, a feeling of being secure. That was kind of my mindset toward it. I wanted to lock something in.”

The Celtics had a strong supporting cast in the game as well. Jaylen Brown scored 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting, Kristaps Porzingis added 17 points, and Jayson Tatum contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds.

On the other side, Tyrese Maxey led the scoring for the 76ers with 24 points and four assists. Jaden Springer had 14 points, Tobias Harris recorded 13 points and seven rebounds, and Patrick Beverley scored 12 points.

Notably absent from the game were the 76ers’ Joel Embiid and James Harden, who has been actively seeking a trade.

Bucks edge out Bulls in a close battle

In another preseason matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 105-102.

Marjon Beauchamp led the way for the Bucks with 18 points and eight rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play, but his older brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo made an impact with 14 points, five rebounds, and two blocks in just 21 minutes.

The Bulls put up a strong fight, with Coby White leading the way with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Patrick Williams also made significant contributions with 13 points. Despite missing Lonzo Ball, who is sidelined with knee issues, the Bulls utilized all 20 of their available players in the game.

Suns outlast Pistons in thrilling overtime victory

In a dramatic overtime battle, the Phoenix Suns emerged victorious with a 130-126 win over the Detroit Pistons.

Detroit coach Monty Williams faced off against his former team as the Pistons made a valiant comeback in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Ausar Thompson, the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Despite the Pistons’ efforts, the Suns held on for the win. Grayson Allen led the way with 18 points, while Chimezie Metu contributed 14 points. Devin Booker made a strong impact with 12 points in just 15 minutes of play.

For the Pistons, Marvin Bagley III had an impressive performance with 25 points. Ausar Thompson recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Jaden Ivey also made significant contributions with 15 points, while Cade Cunningham added 12 points and six assists.

Grizzlies rally in overtime to defeat Pacers

The Memphis Grizzlies pulled off a comeback victory in overtime against the Indiana Pacers, winning with a final score of 127-122.

Jake LaRavia played a crucial role in the Grizzlies’ overtime triumph, scoring the final five points of the game. LaRavia finished with 15 points and hit a game-winning jumper in the closing minutes of overtime.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for the Grizzlies with 18 points and five blocked shots. Desmond Bane contributed 17 points, while Derrick Rose made an impact with 13 points in just 14 minutes of play.

For the Pacers, Jarace Walker, the eighth overall pick in this year’s draft, stood out with 19 points. Bennedict Mathurin had 18 points, and T.J. McConnell contributed 11 points in the game.

Raptors overcome Kings in Vancouver

The Toronto Raptors secured a 112-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings in their preseason matchup in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Gary Trent Jr. led the way for the Raptors with 22 points, while Scottie Barnes made significant contributions with 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. O.G. Anunoby added 14 points to the scoreboard.

For the Kings, Sasha Vezenkov had a standout performance with 12 points in just 11 minutes of play. Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes both contributed 11 points.

Jazz outlast Clippers in closely contested game

The Utah Jazz emerged victorious in a closely contested matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, winning with a final score of 101-96.

Kris Dunn led the way for the Jazz with a perfect shooting performance, scoring 15 points on 7-for-7 shooting, including a 3-pointer. Talen Horton-Tucker added 13 points and six rebounds to the scoreboard.

Bones Hyland was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 18 points, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 11 points in just 15 minutes of play.

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