Celtics equal the NBA record with 29 triples and secure second place in the East

The Celtics’ 29 three-pointers equal the total they made on October 22, 2024 against the Knicks. Grizzlies and Bucks also share that brand.

BOSTON — Sam Hauser scored 24 points thanks to eight 3-pointers, and the Boston Celtics equaled the franchise and NBA record by making 29 three-pointersthus securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs with a 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.

Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points in 29 minutes, remaining on the bench throughout the fourth quarter. Payton Pritchard finished with 21 points and 10 assists for Boston, a team that won the Atlantic Division title.

The Celtics’ 29 triples equal the total which they achieved on October 22, 2024 against the New York Knicks. The Memphis Grizzlies (April 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers) and the Milwaukee Bucks (December 29, 2020 at Miami) also share this record.

Even center Neemias Queta joined the action for Boston, hitting the first triple of his career, which he accompanied with 10 rebounds. Seven different Celtics players made at least two 3-pointers each.

Boston had a lead of up to 41 points against the Pelicans who were missing several of their starters.

The avalanche of three-pointers was started by Brown. The player returned to the lineup after missing Thursday’s loss in New York due to left Achilles tendinitis, and scored 12 points in the first quarter to help the Celtics build an early 22-point lead.

Boston accomplished this feat also without Jayson Tatum, who has not played on consecutive nights since his return from Achilles tendon surgery. Tatum was granted the night off to rest.