Payton Pritchard Breaks silence on winning NBA sixth Man of the year.

Payton Pritchard has officially broken his silence following his recognition as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year for the 2024–25 season. In his fifth year with the Boston Celtics, Pritchard earned 454 total points in voting, including 82 of 100 first-place votes, easily outpacing Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons and Ty Jerome of the Cleveland Cavaliers. He averaged career highs with 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game over 80 appearances, predominantly as a reserve. Notably, he led all NBA bench players with 1,079 total points and set a league record with 246 three-pointers made as a reserve, shooting 40.7% from beyond the arc.

Reflecting on his achievement, Pritchard expressed pride in his season-long consistency and efficiency, emphasizing his dedication to the team’s success. He acknowledged the honor of receiving the award but reiterated that his primary focus remains on contributing to the Celtics’ goals. Earlier in the season, he had mentioned, “If I’m fortunate to win, that’s, I guess, a testament to the hard work I put in,” underscoring his team-first mentality.

Celtics president Brad Stevens praised Pritchard’s dedication and team-first mentality, emphasizing his consistent effort and improvement. Teammates, including Al Horford, have also highlighted Pritchard’s growth and impact on the team’s success. Horford noted Pritchard’s willingness to make the right decisions over personal accolades, showcasing his maturity and commitment to the team’s objectives.

As the Celtics continue their playoff run, Pritchard’s role as both a scoring spark and defensive presence remains vital. His performance in the playoff opener against the Orlando Magic, where he scored 19 points and contributed defensively, exemplifies his multifaceted impact on the game.