Ever watched a guy come off the bench and flip the script like he’s dropping a surprise album? That was Payton Pritchard this season. He didn’t start games, but he sure finished a lot of them with his fingerprints all over the scoreboard. 1,079 points came from nights he wasn’t even in the starting five. That’s more than any other backup in the league.

Oh, and he didn’t just rack up points—he made more threes off the bench than anyone in NBA history. That’s not just good. That’s put your team on your back kind of good. So yeah, the league took notice.

The Celtics star didn’t just win the Sixth Man award—he smoked the competition. I mean, 82 first-place votes? That’s a landslide. The man basically slammed the door shut before anyone else even got to the porch. Now, if you’re thinking, the vote was close—nah, not even. Malik Beasley, who came in second, only picked up 13 first-place votes.

And it wasn’t just the fans who were celebrating. His wife, Emma Pritchard, took a moment to share her pride in the most heartfelt way possible, and it hit right in the feels. Shortly after the league announced the 27-year-old star’s win, Emma posted a tribute to her Instagram story that captured the raw emotion behind the milestone.

The story featured a photo of her husband in a Celtics jersey with “Sixth Man of the Year” written across it. But it was the overlaying message that really struck a chord: “most deserving. so proud of you always 😢🥹🍀”

Payton and Emma—formerly Emma MacDonald—went public with their relationship in early 2023. By that summer, Payton popped the question. A little over a year later, the couple tied the knot in a gorgeous Cape Cod wedding in Harwich Port, Massachusetts, surrounded by more than 250 of their closest friends and family.

So it wasn’t just a congratulatory note—it was a quiet, powerful reminder of the support system behind every NBA grind. That one sentence packed years of shared sacrifices, late nights, and private moments into a single line of love and pride.

Now, let’s talk about how Pritchard got here.

Payton Pritchard was once an afterthought for the Celtics

Payton Pritchard’s rise from benchwarmer to Sixth Man of the Year is the ultimate NBA grind story. For years, he worked in the shadows, often overlooked, but those who saw his dedication never doubted his potential. In a league where talent can easily go unnoticed, Pritchard carved his place.

Earning the 2024-2025 Sixth Man of the Year award wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of years of hard work. When he finally got his shot, he didn’t waste it. As Payton put it, “I focused on limiting bad games, shooting efficiently, and finding ways to elevate my game, especially in the playoffs. I’ll keep working to get better every summer.”

Teammates like Al Horford watched Payton’s journey unfold. Horford remembers a time when Pritchard, frustrated with his role, asked for a trade. But the Celtics kept him, knowing he had the tools to grow. “It’s remarkable to see how far Payton’s come,” Horford said. “His work ethic, especially on defense, has been outstanding.”

Despite the award, Payton stays grounded. For him, the real goal is more than accolades—it’s about championships and building a lasting legacy. This season may have been the start, but he’s not stopping here.

Payton’s story is proof that persistence and patience pay off. As he looks ahead, the best is yet to come. Keep an eye on him—this is only the beginning.