Celtics Clinch No. 2 Seed with Record 29 3-Pointers

Hauser's hot shooting and Pritchard's all-around spark lead Celtics to dominant win over Pelicans

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:54am

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An extreme close-up of Celtics players' arms and hands in mid-shooting motion, with the basketball dissolving into a vibrant neon blur, conceptually illustrating the team's record-setting 3-point performance.The Celtics' record-breaking 3-point barrage showcases their adaptability and the evolving role of the long-range shot in modern basketball.Boston Today

The Boston Celtics clinched the Eastern Conference's second seed with a record-breaking performance, sinking a franchise and NBA-record-tying 29 3-pointers in a dominant victory over the Pelicans. Sam Hauser's eight 3-pointers and Jaylen Brown's hot start fueled the Celtics' 3-point barrage, showcasing their shooting prowess and adaptability even without key players like Jayson Tatum.

Why it matters

The Celtics' 3-point shooting clinic highlights the evolving nature of modern basketball strategy, where the 3-point shot has become a crucial weapon. Their ability to win convincingly without their star players demonstrates the depth and versatility of their roster, which could be a significant advantage as they head into the playoffs with home-court advantage.

The details

The Celtics' 29 made 3-pointers tied an NBA record, with Sam Hauser leading the way with 8 triples and Jaylen Brown scoring 12 of his points in the first quarter to ignite the team's hot shooting. Even big man Neemias Queta contributed his first career 3-pointer, showcasing the Celtics' balance and ability to get production from various players.

  • The Celtics clinched the Eastern Conference's second seed with the win on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Celtics set a franchise and NBA record with 29 made 3-pointers in the game.

The players

Sam Hauser

A Celtics forward who led the team with 8 made 3-pointers in the record-breaking performance.

Jaylen Brown

A Celtics guard who scored 12 of his points in the first quarter to ignite the team's hot shooting.

Jayson Tatum

A Celtics star player who was absent from the game due to rest or injury, but the team was still able to win convincingly without him.

Neemias Queta

A Celtics big man who contributed his first career 3-pointer, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.

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What they’re saying

“The 3-point shot has become a pivotal aspect of modern basketball, and teams that master this skill gain a significant advantage.”

— Author

“This bodes well for their playoff run, as it's not just about the star players but the entire squad's ability to step up.”

— Author

What’s next

The Celtics will look to carry their momentum into the playoffs, where they will have home-court advantage as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Celtics' record-breaking 3-point shooting performance showcases their adaptability, depth, and the evolving nature of modern basketball strategy, where the 3-point shot has become a crucial weapon. Their ability to win convincingly without their star players demonstrates the team's resilience and versatility, which could be a significant advantage as they make a deep playoff run.