Payton Pritchard Suggests OKC Thunder ‘Got Away With’ Fouls and Physicality in NBA Playoffs
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has sparked fresh debate around NBA officiating after implying that the Oklahoma City Thunder benefited from lenient refereeing during their intense playoff clash earlier this year. The sharp-shooting guard didn’t mince words in a recent interview, suggesting that the Thunder’s aggressive defensive style “crossed the line” on several occasions — yet went largely unpunished.
Speaking to reporters after a recent team practice, Pritchard reflected on Boston’s tough postseason series against Oklahoma City, which pushed the Celtics to their physical and mental limits. “They’re a talented, young team,” he admitted. “But there were definitely moments where it felt like they got away with a lot of contact — bumping, grabbing, pushing through screens. It’s part of their identity, but it definitely tested us.”
The remarks come amid ongoing discussion about how the NBA officiates physical defense — particularly against offensive guards who rely on speed and space. The Thunder, under head coach Mark Daigneault, built their playoff success on swarming defense
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