The Boston Celtics came close to establishing an NBA record on Friday night when they beat the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118, Yankee Scores reports. 

No. 2 Seed Secured Amidst a Night of History

While the Celtics failed to reach this feat, they secured another impressive milestone, grabbing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The Boston Celtics set an all-time NBA record when they sank 29 three-point shots, just like they did on Oct. 22, 2024 against the New York Knicks. In addition to the Celtics, the Memphis Grizzlies (April 6 vs. Cleveland) and the Milwaukee Bucks (Dec. 29, 2020 at Miami) also share this NBA record.

“One More Three!”: The Final Minute Drama

The fans at TD Garden went wild with chants of “One more three!” as Hugo Gonzalez tied the record with 1:20 remaining in the game.

In the final minute of the match, the Boston Celtics had three opportunities to top the NBA record. Firstly, Luka Garza decided not to shoot but to drive the ball down for a dunk. With Garza blocking Jeremiah Fears’ attempt for a layup during the following possession by the Pelicans, the latter missed the three-pointer from the wings after it hit the backboard.

The Mazzulla Philosophy: Sportsmanship Over Stats

Derik Queen scored two free-throws for New Orleans with 27 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, head coach Joe Mazzulla advised his squad to stall and wait until the shot clock violation ended the game with one second left.

Boston Celtics utilized eight players who made at least two three-pointers in the game. Center Neemias Queta even added his own name to the list, sinking the first-ever three-point shot of his NBA career alongside 10 boards.