As the Boston Celtics prepare for Game 2 versus the Orlando Magic, physicality is the theme being harped on by the media.
It’s probably because Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum took a hard foul in Game 1 and injured his wrist after being challenged by two Magic defenders at the rim in a play that has since been deemed unsportsmanlike by Celtics center Al Horford.
Are the Magic trying to out-physical Boston? Celtics beat writer John Karalis was thinking about this question when he asked a few questions to Celtics guard Payton Pritchard on Tuesday.
Here’s how the exchange between Karalis and Pritchard went…
Karalis: “We've seen those hard fouls on Jayson (Tatum). It seems like it's an attempt at intimidation. How is that received by you guys? How do you react when the other team’s tactics are to kind of toe the line of the physicality?”
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Pritchard: “I don’t know, I don't feel intimidated. I grew up playing physical basketball … no matter what a hard foul is, we just get up and play ball and just like check it back up … (the physicality is) not gonna stop us from what we're trying to achieve.”
Karalis: “Do you feel like there's … any perception around the league that … that's how you get to you guys? That because … maybe you're seen as less physical … teams are gonna try to push that button?”
Pritchard: “It's fine, they can try. See if it works. We go into the game and do what we do.”
Pritchard finished with 19 points and three assists in Game 1 on 4-for-6 shooting from downtown.
The Magic and Celtics will play Game 2 on Wednesday night.
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