Payton Pritchard, Derrick White Drop 40+ Each, Make NBA History in Celtic's Wild Win

Payton Pritchard and Derrick White could be two of the highest-scoring backcourt players of this generation based on their last game—something that even Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson couldn't emulate.

Pritchard played his dream game, putting up a season-high 43 points and draining 10 three-pointers to lead the depleted Boston Celtics past the Portland Trail Blazers, 128-118. Not to be outshone, White contributed a personal-best 41 points and nine three-pointers, making it a night for the ages for the Celtics.

Historic Night for Pritchard and White

Payton Pritchard, Derrick White Drop 40+ Each, Make NBA History

Pritchard and White were the first two players in Celtics history to reach 40+ points in one game. According to ESPN, they also became the first pair of teammates in NBA history to have their initial career 40-point games in the same contest. Their combined three-point shooting achievement was also historic, as they became the first pair of teammates in NBA history to make at least nine threes apiece in a game.

Pritchard's Unbelievable Performance

With Jayson Tatum (shoulder), Jrue Holiday (finger), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all out, Pritchard came through big-time. The Celtics guard not only scored like crazy but helped in every other category with 10 rebounds and five assists.

In the process, he became the first player in NBA history to have at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists coming off the bench since starters were officially being kept track of beginning in 1970-71.

His 10 three-pointers were tied for the second-most in one game in Celtics history. Additionally, Pritchard established a new franchise record by posting his 20th game this season with five or more three-pointers.

It's also the 18th most in a single game done by a bench player in NBA history, according to Sports Illustrated.

White's Scorching Hot Shooting

White's three-point shooting was equally spectacular. He became the first Celtics player to make a minimum of four three-pointers in six consecutive games, a record that Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Isaiah Thomas shared before him.

Celtics Take Control in Second Half

The game was closely contested during the first half with five ties and 15 lead changes. But Boston gained the upper hand during the third quarter, outscoring Portland 36-27 to take the lead.

Anfernee Simons, leading the team with 30 points, and Shaedon Sharpe, adding 25 points, gave their best even though the Blazers lost.

With this win, Boston has its eighth victory in the past 10 games. The Celtics are currently in the second spot in the Eastern Conference so that proves that even if their stars are injured, there's always someone who would step out to win the game.

Pritchard and White's record-breaking night will be remembered forever, and it showed that Boston's firepower is not limited to its superstars.