The Boston Celtics etched their name deeper into the NBA record books on Friday night, tying the league’s all-time single-game three-pointer mark with an astonishing 29 makes from beyond the arc. The scintillating offensive explosion propelled the Celtics to a 140-108 drubbing of the New Orleans Pelicans at TD Garden, a performance that simultaneously clinched Boston’s spot as the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed with a game to spare in the regular season.
Historic Night in Boston: Celtics Rewrite Three-Point History
In a game that will be dissected for years, the Celtics’ barrage of threes shattered their own franchise record of 24 set in 2021 and matched the NBA single-game record set by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 as well. The explosion came in the first half alone, where Boston connected on 16 three-pointers, tying the league record for a single half. Jayson Tatum led the charge with six made threes, including a dagger deep in the second quarter that ignited a 17-0 run and sent the Garden into a frenzy.
The Pelicans, despite a valiant effort from Brandon Ingram (28 points) and CJ McCollum (20 points), never recovered from the onslaught. Boston’s shooting efficiency was nothing short of lethal, shooting 48% from beyond the arc on 60 attempts, including a 25-36 clip in the first half. Derrick White chipped in with 18 points, while Jrue Holiday added 14, showcasing the depth that has defined Boston’s championship aspirations this season.
“This was a statement game,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla postgame. “We knew we had to come out and set the tone defensively, but our shooters were just locked in. When the ball’s going in like that, it’s hard for any team to keep up.” The victory marked the Celtics’ 59th of the season, the most in franchise history, and their 12th consecutive win since the All-Star break.
From Underdogs to Title Contenders: The Celtics’ Evolution
The path to this record-breaking night has been anything but linear for the Celtics. After falling short in back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals in 2022 and 2023, Boston entered the 2023-24 season with a chip on their shoulder. A mid-season trade for Jrue Holiday, coupled with the development of young talents like Payton Pritchard and Malcolm Brogdon, transformed the roster into a cohesive unit capable of elite offense and lockdown defense.
Historically, the Celtics have always been a three-point shooting team under coach Joe Mazzulla, but this season’s evolution has been particularly striking. Their three-point attempts per game (42.3) rank second in the league, and their 38.5% accuracy from deep is sixth-best. The emergence of Sam Hauser as a reliable floor-spacer and the improved shooting of Al Horford (40% from three) have added layers to an already potent offense. Defensively, Boston ranks fifth in defensive rating, a stark contrast to their 2022-23 unit, which struggled with consistency.
“We’ve always believed in the three-ball,” said Jayson Tatum. “But this year, we’ve taken it to another level. The confidence we have in each other makes the difference.” The Celtics’ blend of veteran leadership and youthful exuberance has redefined their identity, turning them from a team with potential into a legitimate championship contender.
What This Means for the Playoff Race and Beyond
The Celtics’ record-tying performance isn’t just a statistical footnote; it’s a signal of their intentions for the postseason. With the No. 2 seed secured, Boston will have the luxury of a first-round bye and home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. Their path to redemption—or perhaps even a first title since 2008—begins against an opponent yet to be determined, but the message is clear: the Celtics are here to win, not just participate.
For the Pelicans, the loss was a stark reminder of the gap between playoff teams and contenders. Despite a strong season under Willie Green, New Orleans’ struggles against elite offenses were on full display. Brandon Ingram’s leadership will be crucial in the coming weeks, but the Pelicans must tighten their defense if they hope to make a deep playoff run.
Looking ahead, the Celtics’ three-point barrage raises questions about their ability to sustain such efficiency in the playoffs, where defenses are typically more disciplined. However, their depth and adaptability suggest they’re built for the grind. “We’re not just a three-point team,” said Jaylen Brown. “We can score in a lot of ways, and that’s what makes us dangerous.”
Analysts are already tipping Boston as favorites to reach the NBA Finals, with some even projecting them as the team most likely to dethrone the Denver Nuggets. The record-setting night only solidified that belief, but as Tatum cautioned, “Records are great, but rings are what matter.”
Fans React: TD Garden Erupts as Celtics Make History
The Garden faithful were treated to a symphony of swishes on Friday night, with fans chanting “MVP! MVP!” after both Tatum and Brown delivered clutch threes in the third quarter. Social media exploded with praise for the Celtics’ offensive firepower, with hashtags like #CelticsNation and #29Threes trending worldwide.
On Twitter, analyst Shams Charania called it “one of the most dominant offensive performances in NBA history,” while ESPN’s Tim MacMahon highlighted the Celtics’ “perfect blend of efficiency and explosiveness.” Fans took to Reddit to debate whether this performance was even better than the Bucks’ 2021 record-setting game, with many arguing that Boston’s depth made their feat even more impressive.
Even rival players couldn’t help but acknowledge the Celtics’ brilliance. LeBron James, watching from the sidelines, tweeted, “Damn. That’s how you close out the regular season.” The outpouring of respect from across the league underscores how far Boston has come in such a short time.
What Comes Next: Celtics’ Playoff Push and Key Matchups
With the regular season slate complete, the Celtics now turn their attention to the postseason, where the road to the Finals will be anything but easy. The Eastern Conference is stacked with talent, from the Milwaukee Bucks (No. 1 seed) to the Philadelphia 76ers (No. 3) and the Miami Heat (No. 4). Boston’s first test may come against the Heat, a team they’ve split a series with this season, or the Sixers, who boast one of the league’s most formidable frontcourts in Joel Embiid and Paul George.
Key matchups to watch will be Tatum vs. Embiid in a potential Eastern Conference Semifinals clash, as well as the Celtics’ ability to contain dynamic guards like Tyrese Maxey and Jimmy Butler in earlier rounds. Mazzulla’s rotation depth will be critical, especially with the wear and tear of the regular season now behind them.
Off the court, the Celtics’ front office will need to make tough decisions regarding their free agents, including restricted free agent Payton Pritchard. A deep playoff run could temper any urgency to retain role players, but Boston’s championship window is wide open. As the NBA landscape shifts with potential trades and playoff upsets, one thing is certain: the Celtics are built to compete at the highest level.
For now, the focus is on the prize. “We’re locked in,” said Brown. “This is what we’ve been working for.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Celtics tie the NBA record for most three-pointers in a game?
The Celtics achieved the feat by connecting on 29 three-pointers in their 140-108 win over the Pelicans on April 5, 2024. Their shooting efficiency was unmatched, shooting 48% from beyond the arc, including a 25-36 clip in the first half. The performance was a culmination of their season-long emphasis on three-point shooting and offensive versatility, which has defined their championship aspirations.
Who led the Celtics in three-pointers against the Pelicans?
Jayson Tatum led the way with six made three-pointers, followed by Jaylen Brown (five), Derrick White (four), and Sam Hauser (three). The balanced scoring from multiple players made it nearly impossible for the Pelicans to contain Boston’s offensive firepower.
What does the Celtics’ 2-seed clinch mean for their playoff aspirations?
Securing the No. 2 seed gives the Celtics a first-round bye and home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. It also sets up potential matchups against the Heat or Sixers in the early rounds, with a potential showdown against the Bucks in the conference semifinals. The high seed provides Boston with a significant advantage in their quest for an NBA championship.
Final Thoughts
The Boston Celtics didn’t just tie an NBA record on Friday night—they redefined what it means to be an offensive juggernaut. With 29 three-pointers and a statement win over the Pelicans, Boston cemented their status as the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed and sent a clear message to the rest of the league: this team is built for the grind of the playoffs. From record-setting nights to championship aspirations, the Celtics are no longer just a contender; they are the team to beat. As the postseason approaches, one thing is certain—Boston’s journey to glory is only beginning, and the echoes of those 29 swishes will ring loud and clear.
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