BOSTON – The Boston Celtics equaled a league and franchise benchmark, sinking 29 three-pointers in a decisive 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. This performance not only etched their names into the record books but also cemented their position as the Eastern Conference's No. 2 playoff seed.
The Celtics' prolific long-range shooting ties an NBA and franchise high for made threes in a single game, a feat previously achieved by the team on another occasion this season. The win guarantees them home-court advantage in the early rounds of the upcoming postseason.
Individual Highs Amidst Collective Effort
While the team's three-point barrage was the headline, several players contributed significantly. Sam Hauser led the charge with 24 points, a performance bolstered by eight successful three-point attempts. Jaylen Brown added 23 points in just 29 minutes of play, sitting out the entire final quarter. Even big man Neemias Queta contributed, hitting his first career three-pointer alongside 10 rebounds. Notably, eight different Celtics players registered at least two shots from beyond the arc, underscoring the breadth of their offensive attack.
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Pelicans Fall Short Despite Strong Showing
Despite the lopsided score, the New Orleans Pelicans put up a fight, with Jeremiah Fears scoring a game-high 36 points. However, their efforts were not enough to counter the Celtics' offensive explosion.
Context of the Record
This achievement marks the second time this season the Celtics have reached the 29 three-pointer mark, highlighting a pattern of exceptional perimeter shooting over the past couple of seasons. The significance of securing the No. 2 seed is amplified by its implication for playoff matchups, suggesting a readiness for the challenges ahead.
