The Boston Celtics spent Friday night flirting with the NBA record books, turning TD Garden into a shooting gallery during a 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. While the win was dominant, the story of the evening was a relentless barrage from beyond the arc that pushed the franchise to the brink of a historic milestone.
In a display of perimeter precision, the Boston Celtics tie NBA record with 29 3-pointers, matching a mark they previously set themselves on Oct. 22, 2024, against the New York Knicks. The achievement places them in an elite company of long-range efficiency, sharing the record with the Milwaukee Bucks (Dec. 29, 2020) and the Memphis Grizzlies (April 6 vs. Cleveland).
Beyond the statistical fireworks, the win served a critical strategic purpose. By securing the victory, Boston officially locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference for the upcoming NBA playoffs, ensuring home-court advantage for the early rounds of the postseason.
The Final Minute: A Quest for 30
As the game wound down, the atmosphere in the arena shifted from celebration to anticipation. When Hugo Gonzalez knocked down a shot to tie the record with 1:20 remaining, the crowd rose in unison, chanting “One more three!” in a desperate bid to see the Celtics shatter the ceiling of 29.
The pursuit of the 30th triple became a dramatic micro-timeline in the game’s closing seconds. Boston had three distinct opportunities to claim the sole record: first, Luka Garza opted for a drive to the rim for a dunk rather than a perimeter shot. Shortly after, following a defensive stop where Garza blocked a layup by Jeremiah Fears, Baylor Scheierman attempted a wing three that rattled off the back rim.
The final chance arrived after New Orleans’ Derik Queen hit two free throws with 27 seconds left. However, the pursuit ended not with a shot, but with a coaching decision. Joe Mazzulla instructed his team to hold the ball, resulting in a shot clock violation with just one second remaining on the clock.
Payton Pritchard, who contributed 21 points, 10 assists, and five 3-pointers, reflected on the noise of the crowd. “It’s uncomplicated to be aware of it when you hear the crowd and everything,” Pritchard said. “Maybe they’ve got to be quiet and People can break it one day.”
Depth and Unexpected Contributions
The record-tying performance was not the result of one or two hot hands, but rather a systemic offensive explosion. Eight different Celtics players connected on at least two 3-pointers during the contest, illustrating a depth of shooting that makes the current roster a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.
The most heartwarming moment of the night came from big man Neemias Queta. Known primarily for his interior presence and rebounding, Queta knocked down his first career 3-pointer to accompany his 10 rebounds. The unexpected make sent the Boston bench into a frenzy of celebration.
Sam Hauser, who paced the scoring for the Celtics with 24 points and eight 3-pointers, described Queta’s rare perimeter success as “Buttery.”
Key Performance Breakdown
| Player | Points | 3-Pointers Made | Other Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Hauser | 24 | 8 | Game-high 3PM |
| Payton Pritchard | 21 | 5 | 10 Assists |
| Neemias Queta | — | 1 | 10 Rebounds; 1st career 3 |
| Team Total | 144 | 29 | Tied NBA Record |
Overcoming the “Lottery” Narrative
While the 29 3-pointers provided the highlight reel, the broader context of the victory is a testament to the resilience of Joe Mazzulla’s program. Finishing the regular season at 55-26, Boston has now achieved at least 50 wins in each of Mazzulla’s first four seasons.
This consistency is particularly striking given the roster volatility the team faced this year. The Celtics navigated the departures of key starters including Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford. The team played the vast majority of the season without Jayson Tatum, who appeared in only 16 games. These absences led many analysts to predict a collapse that would have seen the team fighting for a spot in the draft lottery rather than a top seed.
Pritchard noted that the victory was a moment for the team to recognize their collective growth. “You set back and have an appreciation for the work that we’ve put in, and the growth that we’ve made this year to get to this point, and the honor of reaching a top seed when many people didn’t believe in that,” he said. “You take that in and now take a couple of days and get back to work. We’ve got something else to prove now.”
The Celtics now transition from the regular season to the postseason, where their ability to stretch the floor will be put to the ultimate test. The team will focus on maintaining this shooting rhythm as they prepare for their first-round matchup in the playoffs.
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