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Celtics' historic shooting fuels a record-breaking season
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) shoots a jump shot. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Celtics' historic shooting fuels a record-breaking season

The Boston Celtics made history on Friday night, breaking the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a single season. 

In their dominant 123-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns, the Celtics connected on 14 threes, pushing their season total to 1,364 triples — surpassing the previous record of 1,363 held by the 2022-23 Golden State Warriors.

The pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Payton Pritchard, known for his impact off the bench, drained a 25-foot jumper to put Boston ahead of Golden State officially. This shot secured a memorable victory and highlighted the Celtics' commitment to modern, perimeter-oriented basketball. 

The record-breaking performance was part of a broader team effort that exemplified the unselfish ball movement, elite spacing and lethal outside shooting that have been central to Boston's game plan throughout the season.

While the Celtics' volume of three-pointers has been exceptional, it’s their efficiency and balance that truly set them apart. Derrick White, who has emerged as one of the league’s most reliable shooters, leads the Celtics with 253 three-pointers made. 

This mark recently surpassed Isaiah Thomas' previous franchise record of 245. White’s shooting has played a key role in Boston’s explosive offensive attack, but he’s far from the only standout.

Jayson Tatum, with 243 three-pointers, and Payton Pritchard, with 242 (NBA bench record), are near the top of the franchise’s all-time leaderboard, turning the battle for Boston’s single-season record into a tight race. 

Pritchard’s contributions have been especially significant, as he recently became just the third Celtic to score more than 1,000 points off the bench in a single season, joining legends Kevin McHale and Ricky Davis.

As a team, the Celtics have averaged a league-leading 48.3 three-point attempts per game, embracing the league-wide trend toward spacing and pace. Their success stems from not only their willingness to shoot from deep but also their ability to do so with remarkable consistency and efficiency. 

The Celtics’ deep roster means multiple players are threats from beyond the arc, creating a nearly impossible challenge for opposing defenses to contain.

With five regular season games left, Boston has the opportunity to push the benchmark even higher, solidifying its place in NBA history. More importantly, its three-point shooting surge has positioned it as one of the most dangerous teams in the league as it chases a second consecutive NBA title. 

This record, a milestone in itself, is more than just a number — it's a clear signal that the Celtics are firing on all cylinders as the postseason approaches.

As the Celtics push toward the playoffs, their record-breaking season from beyond the arc is not just a testament to their offensive firepower but a declaration of intent: the reigning champions are fully prepared to defend their crown with a deep, dynamic roster capable of scorching any defense.

Matt Evans

Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, now based in Paris, France. He has covered various sports including basketball, soccer, boxing, MMA, and motorsports.  Over the past decade, Matt has focused heavily on the NBA and has worked with many established outlets on a variety of content

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