The delivered a spectacular offensive performance on Friday night, dismantling the 144-118 while narrowly missing out on NBA history.
Despite falling just one three-pointer short of breaking the league’s single-game record, the victory secured the Celtics the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference—capping off another impressive regular season campaign.
Three-Point Barrage Powers Boston
Boston’s shooting display was nothing short of extraordinary. The team caught fire early and never looked back, draining three-pointers at an incredible rate throughout the contest.
By the end of the third quarter, the Celtics had already knocked down 25 shots from beyond the arc, building a commanding lead and putting the record firmly within reach. Their dominance from long range proved decisive, finishing with a massive scoring advantage from deep compared to New Orleans.
led the charge with a standout performance, pouring in 24 points and hitting eight three-pointers. matched him with 24 points of his own, while provided a spark off the bench with a strong scoring contribution.
A Night of Milestones and Near-Misses
While the spotlight was on the three-point record, the game also featured a memorable personal milestone. knocked down the first three-pointer of his NBA career, adding a feel-good moment to an already dominant night.
The Celtics entered the fourth quarter needing just a handful of threes to break the all-time record. They came agonizingly close, but ultimately fell one shot short—tying the record instead for the second consecutive season.
Despite the near miss, Boston’s decision to wind down the clock late in the game reflected their control and composure, prioritizing the win over individual accolades.
Dominance From Start to Finish
From the opening tip, Boston imposed their will. A blistering first quarter set the tone, and by halftime they had already built an insurmountable lead.
Even without , who was rested, the Celtics showcased their depth and versatility. Contributions came from across the roster, including strong outings from and others in the starting lineup.
On the other side, the Pelicans were severely undermanned, missing several key players, which made it difficult to keep pace with Boston’s relentless offense.
Momentum Heading Into the Playoffs
With the No. 2 seed now secured, the Celtics can turn their focus toward the postseason with confidence. Their offensive firepower, particularly from beyond the arc, makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
While they may have missed out on setting a new record, the performance sent a clear message: Boston are peaking at the right time.
If this level of shooting carries into the playoffs, the Celtics won’t just be chasing records—they’ll be chasing a championship.
