Celtics Drown Pelicans in Historic 144-118 Rout
Three-Point Rain & Record Ties: Celtics Drown Pelicans in Historic 144-118 Rout
BOSTON — If you looked at the TD Garden roof on Friday night and thought it was leaking, don't worry—it was just the Celtics raining absolute fire from beyond the arc. In a performance that bordered on basketball bullying, the Celtics decimated the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118, tying the NBA single-game record with 29 three-pointers.
For the second season in a row, Boston flirted with the elusive 30th triple, but ultimately decided to play it cool, dribbling out the clock and leaving the history books balanced at a tie.
The "Who?" vs. The "Heavy Hitters"
The Pelicans arrived in Boston with an injury report longer than a CVS receipt. With Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones among the eight players sidelined, New Orleans was forced to roll out a lineup that had fans reaching for their programs. As our scouts noted, they played with such a "replacement" energy we might as well call them the New Orleans Owls—because every time a sub entered, the crowd asked, "Who? WHO?"
Meanwhile, the Celtics only rested Jayson Tatum. The result? A mismatch of epic proportions. Boston exploded for 82 points in the first half, marking another 80-point half for a squad that clearly didn't get the memo that the regular season is almost over.
The Queta "Butter" & Hauser’s Heat
The highlight of the night wasn't just the blowout; it was the bench mob getting in on the fun.
Neemias Queta: The big man finally broke his career 0-for-10 streak from deep, knocking down his first career three. Sam Hauser described the shot as "Buttery," and the Celtics' bench reacted like they’d just won the lottery.
Sam Hauser: Led the way with 24 points and 8 threes, looking like he couldn't miss if he tried.
Payton Pritchard: Tallied a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, proving once again why he's the engine of the second unit.
The Record That Almost Was
With 1:20 remaining, Hugo Gonzalez hit the 29th three-pointer to tie the record. The Garden was on its feet, chanting "ONE MORE THREE!" but the basketball gods had other plans. Baylor Scheierman had a clean look at the record-breaker, but it rattled the back rim and stayed out.
True to his "unhinged" coaching style, Joe Mazzulla had the team hold the ball for a shot-clock violation in the final seconds rather than hunting the record. Classy? Maybe. Frustrating for the fans? Definitely.
The Sideline Verdict
Despite missing the record, Boston secured something far more valuable: The No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. At 55-26, Mazzulla has now hit the 50-win mark in each of his first four seasons. For a team that lost Holiday, Porzingis, and Horford, and played most of the year without Tatum, being a top seed is a massive "I told you so" to the doubters.
The Celtics wrap up the regular season Sunday against the Magic. Expect the starters to find some comfy seats on the bench for that one.
