When speaking to the media after the game, Jayson Tatum praised Pritchard's fearlessness and exceptional offensive talent. The All-Star forward also threw his support behind Pritchard's early push for Sixth Man of the Year candidacy.

Payton Pritchard scored 19 of his season-high 29 points in the fourth quarter to help Boston rally for a 138-129 win in Chicago. It was Boston’s seventh straight win and pulls them within a game of Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. It also keeps the Celtics in contention for a wild-card spot in the NBA Cup.

The key to him is he finds different ways to impact games,” Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s grown as a player over the course of his career."

A 19-point fourth quarter from Payton Pritchard was the difference maker, as Billy Donovan's team kept responding to Boston's offensive runs, keeping the game tight until midway through the final 12 minutes of play.

Celtics star Jayson Tatum believes Payton Pritchard can win Sixth Man of the Year, especially after torching the Bulls.

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard drives to the basket for a layup past Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez) AP

Jayson Tatum scored 35 and Payton Pritchard added 29 as the Celtics outlasted the Bulls, 138-129, on Friday. Read more on Boston.com.

Payton Pritchard is emerging as one of the most important players within the Boston Celtics rotation. The Oregon Ducks product has gone from strength to strength since entering the NBA as the 26th overall pick in 2020.