Celtics’ Jayson Tatum reacts to Payton Pritchard’s criticism after Game 5 loss to 76ers

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Paolo Mariano, ClutchPoints

Wed, April 29, 2026 at 3:21 AM UTC ·

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Celtics’ Jayson Tatum reacts to Payton Pritchard’s criticism after Game 5 loss to 76ers appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

The Boston Celtics could not finish off the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday after suffering a 16-point loss, 113-97, in Game 5 of their first-round series in the playoffs.

Even the boisterous crowd at TD Garden failed to boost the Celtics, who were manhandled by the 76ers in the second half . Boston blew a 13-point lead in the third quarter, which proved to be the game-shifting moment.

Now, the Celtics will have to eliminate the Sixers at Xfinity Mobile Arena, which is notorious for its hostile fans, in Game 6 on Thursday. It could be a bloodbath between the conference rivals.

Boston cannot afford to show weakness. According to CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning, Payton Pritchard admitted that they played lackadaisically in Game 5. Manning added that Jayson Tatum did not refute Pritchard’s assessment.

“I agree with that. (There were) some plays that we wish we could have back in that third quarter when we had the lead,” said Tatum.

Tatum tallied 24 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Pritchard had 12 points, two rebounds, and six assists. Pritchard was coming off a hot-shooting display in Game 4 , wherein he dropped 32 points.

Boston looked hapless in the fourth quarter, scoring just 11 points on 3-of-22 shooting. The Celtics only shot 40% overall, including 28% from long range, and failed to match the two-way aggression of Philadelphia .

The 76ers had a huge game from Joel Embiid , who logged 33 points on 12-of-23 shooting, four rebounds, and eight assists. He set the tone for the Sixers, allowing them to save their season.

Embiid tipped his hat to the crowd at TD Garden after the game.