Pritchard’s Buzzer-Beaters Propel Celtics Past Trail Blazers in Snowy Boston Battle

Key Takeaways:

• Payton Pritchard scored 23 points and drained buzzer-beaters to close the first two quarters
• Boston Celtics secured a 102-94 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night
• Portland will travel to Washington for a matchup on Tuesday night

Game Overview

Payton Pritchard produced a masterclass performance at TD Garden last night, putting up 23 points and sinking dramatic buzzer-beaters at the end of the opening two quarters. Jaylen Brown contributed 20 points as the Celtics claimed a 102-94 win against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Derrick White added 18 points for Boston, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute after Portland had closed the margin from a 23-point deficit to just five. White followed up immediately with a critical steal on the Trail Blazers’ next possession, stifling Portland’s late resurgence.

Got the job done ✅#DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/DqkAvUF2mx

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 27, 2026

Portland’s Push Falls Short

Jerami Grant posted 19 points for Portland, while Donovan Clingan dominated the boards with 15 rebounds. The Trail Blazers had entered the contest with momentum, having emerged victorious in four of their previous five outings to briefly surpass the .500 mark for the first time since November.

Pritchard’s buzzer-beating long-range effort closed the first quarter, establishing a 32-11 lead for the Celtics. Although Portland reduced the deficit to ten points, Anfernee Simons – in his return against his former side – knocked down a three-pointer before Pritchard capped the half with a fadeaway jumper to make it 52-37 at the break.

In the final minute, Grant’s determined drive to the basket cut Boston’s lead to 99-94 after a missed free throw and quick finish off Toumani Camara’s offensive rebound. However, White’s late three-pointer put the result beyond doubt for Boston.

Tributes and Notable Moments

Jrue Holiday received thunderous applause from the Boston crowd after being introduced and again following a tribute video shown at the end of the first quarter. A starter on the Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship-winning roster, Holiday chipped in 14 points on his return to TD Garden after being traded in the offseason for salary cap reasons.

Those who braved severe winter conditions in Boston also recognised high-profile spectators. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft earned an ovation one night after the Patriots’ victory over Denver secured their place in the Super Bowl. New Celtics owner Bill Chisholm was also courtside, sporting a sweatshirt paying tribute to Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Key Player Statistics

Looking Ahead

Portland continue their road trip at Washington on Tuesday night, while Boston are set to host Atlanta on Wednesday as part of their ongoing five-game homestand.