The Celtics 120-106 win over the Raptors was only one game, but it certainly got our attention. One game is a mighty-small sample, but it can reveal much.
Semi Ojeleye (6-8 3-PT) and Payton Pritchard (6-8 3-PT) are the first pair of teammates in Celtics franchise history to both make at least six 3-pointers in the same game
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) February 12, 2021
(Confirmed by @EliasSports)
Semi Ojeleye got a rare start versus Toronto and cashed in with a career-high 24 points. Like Payton Pritchard, he was 6-of-8 from 3-point land, but it was his six rebounds that got my attention. I have repeatedly written that he needed to improve his work off the boards.
Pritchard came off the bench but stayed on the floor for a total of 29 minutes. His 20-point production and 3-point accuracy were noteworthy so soon after coming back from a knee injury. But like Semi, his five boards let us know once again that the 6'1" guard can rebound the ball.
So history aside, where does this leave Payton and Semi with regard to their future in Boston - or elsewhere. Pritchard has seemed like a keeper from his first minutes in the League. He has never looked rookie-like.
Ojeleye's defense has been stellar seemingly forever, but the questions about his shooting and board work persisted. A quick look at his stats over the last 10 games show 44.7% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc. Semi may be finding his way on the offensive end of the floor, and if that is true, he will stick in Boston or be part of a trade prior to the deadline.
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