Celtics Clinch 2nd Seed with Record-Breaking Shooting Performance Against Pelicans

Boston buries New Orleans under a barrage of 3-pointers to win 142-114 and secure the Eastern Conference's second playoff seed.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp planes of green, orange, and blue overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the action on the court.The Celtics' 3-point barrage against the Pelicans showcases the team's offensive firepower and ability to win convincingly even without their top star.New Orleans Today

The Boston Celtics, playing without star Jayson Tatum, put on a shooting clinic against the shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans, hitting a franchise-record tying 29 3-pointers to cruise to a 142-114 victory. The win clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference for the Celtics, who were led by strong performances from Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard.

Why it matters

The Celtics' dominant win over the Pelicans, who were missing several key players, showcases the team's offensive firepower and ability to win convincingly even without their top star. This performance solidifies Boston's status as a top contender in the East and provides momentum heading into the playoffs.

The details

The Celtics jumped out to a big early lead, going on a 15-2 run to open up a 24-11 advantage in the first quarter. Boston's sharpshooting continued throughout, as they hit 10 3-pointers in the opening frame and 29 for the game, tying the franchise record. Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard led the way offensively, with Hauser draining 8 3-pointers and Pritchard recording a double-double. Rookie Neemias Queta also got in on the 3-point barrage, hitting one in the third quarter.

  • The Celtics clinched the second seed in the Eastern Conference with the win.
  • Boston hit a franchise-record tying 29 3-pointers in the game.

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star wing scored 23 points on 8-13 shooting, but also had 7 turnovers in the blowout win.

Sam Hauser

The sharpshooting forward led the Celtics with 24 points, going 8-12 from 3-point range.

Payton Pritchard

The backup point guard recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, while also hitting 5 3-pointers.

Neemias Queta

The Celtics' rookie center made a 3-pointer in the third quarter, becoming the first Celtic with at least 100 blocks, 600 rebounds and 60 steals in a season since Robert Parish in 1990-91.

Derrick White

The veteran guard hit 3 3-pointers and added 9 points and 5 assists in 16 minutes of action.

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What they’re saying

“We know you want to see this 😁👌”

— Boston Celtics

What’s next

The Celtics will look to carry this momentum into the playoffs as they aim to secure a high seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Celtics' record-breaking 3-point shooting performance against a shorthanded Pelicans team demonstrates the team's offensive firepower and ability to win convincingly even without their top star. This win solidifies Boston's status as a top contender in the East heading into the postseason.