In a display of unparalleled shooting prowess, the Boston Celtics have firmly secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Their recent triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans saw them light up the scoreboard with an astonishing 29 three-pointers, matching an NBA record. This impressive performance underscored the team's depth and offensive firepower, sending a clear message to their postseason rivals.
Celtics' Historic Night Propels Them to Second Seed
On Friday night, April 10, 2026, at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Celtics delivered a spectacular performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, culminating in a resounding 144-118 victory. This historic game saw the Celtics tie an NBA record by draining 29 three-point field goals, a feat previously achieved by the 2020 Milwaukee Bucks, the 2024 Celtics, and the 2026 Memphis Grizzlies. This dominant win not only showcased Boston's offensive might but also officially clinched their spot as the No. 2 seed for the Eastern Conference playoffs.
From the outset, the Celtics set a blistering pace, sinking 10 three-pointers in the opening quarter and establishing a commanding 44-25 lead. By halftime, their lead had ballooned to 82-51, fueled by an exceptional 61.7% shooting from the field, including an impressive 56.7% (17 of 30) from beyond the arc. The team continued their relentless attack, surpassing the 100-point mark early in the third quarter with a Jaylen Brown layup that put them ahead 101-61.
Leading the charge for Boston was Sam Hauser, who poured in 24 points, remarkably hitting 8 of 12 attempts from downtown. Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points, while Payton Pritchard orchestrated the offense with 21 points and 10 assists. The Celtics' collective effort compensated for the absence of star player Jayson Tatum, who was sidelined for Achilles repair management, playing the second game of a back-to-back.
Conversely, the New Orleans Pelicans, hampered by a significant injury list, struggled to match Boston's intensity. Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans with 36 points, supported by Derik Queen's 25 points and 11 rebounds, and Jordan Hawkins' 20 points. However, the absence of key scorers such as Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Dejounte Murray proved too great an obstacle for New Orleans, who concluded the game with a 26-55 record.
A Statement Victory and Future Prospects
This stellar performance by the Celtics serves as a powerful declaration of their readiness for the postseason. Tying an NBA record for three-pointers in a single game is not merely a statistical achievement but a testament to their offensive versatility and depth. For the Pelicans, the game highlighted the challenges posed by their extensive injury woes, emphasizing the importance of a healthy roster for competitive play. As the playoffs draw near, Boston's ability to perform at such a high level, even without a full complement of stars, positions them as a formidable contender in the Eastern Conference.