The NBA’s return from the All-Star break was headlined by significant news in the basketball world, as Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

The Boston Celtics continued their dominant run with a commanding 124-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, marking their eighth win in nine games. Payton Pritchard led all scorers off the bench with 28 points,

But with starters Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis all sitting out Wednesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, the duo raised their games to a level never before seen in NBA history.

Where would Boston Celtics Sixth Man of the Year candidate Payton Pritchard go in a 2020 NBA redraft if you held it today? Almost certainly, the West Linn, Oregon native would end up being taken higher than where he was by the Celtics,

The Portland Trail Blazers caught three breaks before their game Wednesday at the Boston Celtics but failed to take advantage, falling 128-118. No shame in losing to the defending champions, but the Blazers wasted an opportunity to pick up a victory against an opponent down three starters.

A historic 3-point explosion by Payton Pritchard and Derrick White led the shorthanded Celtics to a 128-118 win over the Trail Blazers.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was a certified Big Man on Campus once upon a time—a walking bucket for a 2020 Oregon team eyeing a deep NCAA men's tournament run before fate intervened in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) celebrates with Derrick White, left, after hitting a 3-point basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

Payton Pritchard looked like he was going to at least tie a Celtics franchise record, but he didn't force shots down the stretch of the Blazers win.

Boston Celtics guards Derrick White and Payton Pritchard made stunning history in the Celtics' 128–118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. During a career night for both players, Pritchard came off the bench and scored 43 points and drilled 10 three-pointers as White recorded 41 points with nine three-pointers.

A historic 3-point explosion by Payton Pritchard and Derrick White led the shorthanded Celtics to a 128-118 win over the Trail Blazers.