Celtics catch fire from deep, tie NBA record with 29 threes to clinch No. 2 seed

Some nights, everything just feels easy. That was the case Friday for the Boston Celtics, who turned a regular-season game into a full-on shooting showcase in a 144-118 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. By the final buzzer, Boston had tied the NBA record with 29 made three-pointers and locked up the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

It was not just a win. It was one of those performances that makes you stop and think about what this team could look like when the playoffs start.

Boston found a rhythm and never lost it

From the opening minutes, you could tell this might be one of those nights. Boston came out firing, scoring 44 points in the first quarter and following it up with another 38 in the second. By halftime, the game had already tilted heavily in their favor, and it never really swung back.

What stood out was how natural it all looked. The ball moved quickly, shooters were in rhythm, and every possession seemed to end with a clean look.

Sam Hauser led the way with 24 points and eight made threes, but this was far from a one-man show. Boston had contributions across the board, with multiple players stepping into open shots and knocking them down without hesitation.

This is what makes Boston dangerous

There is a difference between a team that can shoot and a team that can overwhelm you with it. Boston showed the second version.

When the Celtics are sharing the ball like this and getting good looks from deep, they are incredibly tough to slow down. They finished with 35 assists, which says just as much about the performance as the 29 made threes. It was not forced. It was not rushed. It was a team playing confidently and trusting what was there.

A perfect time to be clicking

With the postseason right around the corner, this is exactly the kind of performance Boston wanted. They did not just secure their playoff position. They did it in a way that builds momentum.

There is a comfort that comes from knowing your offense can look like this. Even if the shooting cools off, the ball movement and spacing are things that carry over. And when those shots are falling again, it becomes a real problem for anyone on the other side.

More: NBA rumors swirl: Could Celtics really break up core for Giannis if playoffs go wrong?

The message was clear

Games like this do not happen often, even in today’s NBA. Tying a league record from three while cruising to a win says a lot about where this team is mentally and physically. They look confident. They look connected. And most importantly, they look ready.

The Eastern Conference is going to be competitive, but Boston just gave everyone a reminder of what they are capable of.

The bottom line

The Celtics did not just win on Friday. They made it look easy. And if this is the version of Boston that shows up in the playoffs, they are going to be a tough team to deal with.

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