What happened: Payton Pritchard recalled Allen Iverson approaching him during Game 3 against Philadelphia and telling him, "You're the coldest white boy I've ever seen." Mike Conley described Pritchard as a menace. The exchange centered on Pritchard's rise with Boston.

Why it matters: Praise from Iverson ties Pritchard's play to a Philadelphia icon in that series. A parallel nod from Conley frames the guard as a problem for opposing defenses. That peer respect marks his move from rotation piece to playoff factor for Boston.

What to watch: Boston continues regular-season play with Pritchard in the backcourt rotation. His work against veteran guards is the next measure.