Celtics Clinch No. 2 Seed in Eastern Conference Playoffs

Boston ties franchise and NBA record with 29 3-pointers in blowout win over Pelicans

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:37am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game, representing the Celtics' dominant 3-point shooting performance.The Celtics' record-setting 3-point barrage showcases their offensive firepower as they secure a top playoff seed.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a dominant 144-118 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. The Celtics tied the franchise and NBA record with 29 made 3-pointers, led by Sam Hauser's 24 points on 8 made 3s. Jaylen Brown added 23 points as the Celtics built a 41-point lead and cruised to the win.

Why it matters

The Celtics' win secures their position as the No. 2 seed in the East, setting them up for a favorable playoff matchup. Meanwhile, the struggling Pelicans will miss the playoffs for the second straight year despite the emergence of young stars like Zion Williamson.

The details

The Celtics' 29 made 3-pointers tied their own franchise record set in October 2024, as well as the NBA record held by the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks. Seven different Celtics players hit at least two 3-pointers, with Hauser leading the way. Boston built a big early lead behind Jaylen Brown's 12 first-quarter points and never looked back, resting star Jayson Tatum on the second night of a back-to-back.

  • The Celtics clinched the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • Boston tied the franchise and NBA record for 3-pointers made in a game with 29.

The players

Sam Hauser

A Celtics forward who scored a team-high 24 points on 8 made 3-pointers.

Jaylen Brown

A Celtics guard who scored 23 points in 29 minutes of action.

Zion Williamson

A Pelicans forward who missed the game due to a right knee injury.

Jeremiah Fears

A Pelicans guard who led his team with 36 points in the loss.

Neemias Queta

A Celtics big man who knocked down his first career 3-pointer and grabbed 10 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Celtics will host the Orlando Magic on Sunday as they prepare for the playoffs, while the Pelicans will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The takeaway

The Celtics' dominant performance and record-setting 3-point shooting showcase their offensive firepower and ability to win convincingly, even without their star Jayson Tatum. Meanwhile, the struggling Pelicans continue to search for answers as they miss the playoffs for a second straight season.