Payton Pritchard preaches Celtics mindset amid strong start to road trip NECN [Video]

The Boston Celtics’ four-game trip out west to begin 2025 was expected to be among their most difficult stretches of the season. They’ve stepped up to the challenge with a perfect start to the New Year.

Boston’s road trip began with a back-to-back vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday and the Houston Rockets on Friday. It followed its 118-115 win over Minnesota with a 109-86 victory in Houston despite missing Jaylen Brown (shoulder) for both matchups.

The C’s limped into the trip with four losses over their last seven games. Their struggles came at a less-than-ideal time with a daunting four-game slate looming, but Payton Pritchard personified the team’s mental toughness after Friday’s triumph.

“This was not an easy back-to-back, but no excuses,” Pritchard told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin. “Got to get the job done, and we came out today and competed at a very high level and set the tone, especially in the second half, and got the W. …