Historic Night for Celtics as Hauser Shines
Boston Celtics fans witnessed an electrifying performance on Friday night, as the team matched the NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a single game. With a resounding victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Celtics showcased their sharpshooting prowess, finishing with an astonishing 29 three-pointers on 59 attempts, ultimately winning 144-118.
Celtics’ 3-Point Barrage
This impressive feat marked the second time in just two seasons that Boston has hit 29 three-pointers in a game. The Celtics had previously accomplished this during the 2024-25 season opener against the New York Knicks. With this latest performance, they joined the elite company of the Milwaukee Bucks, who set this record in 2020, and the Memphis Grizzlies, who matched it earlier this month. The Celtics made a remarkable 17 three-pointers in the first half alone, displaying an offensive rhythm that left the Pelicans struggling to keep pace.
Record-Setting Opportunities
Despite their record-tying performance, the Celtics had several chances to break the record. After Hugo González netted the team’s 29th three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, the home crowd anticipated a new milestone. However, center Luka Garza opted for a dunk instead of attempting a three-pointer that could have set a new record. Moments later, Baylor Scheierman missed a transition three that would have also broken the tie, leading the Celtics to run down the shot clock on their final possession.
Hauser’s Stellar Contribution
Sam Hauser emerged as a standout player during the game, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ three-point success. He finished with 24 points, shooting 8-of-13 overall and 8-of-12 from beyond the arc. Hauser’s performance included a strong showing in the third quarter, where he sank five three-pointers on seven attempts. Despite his hot hand, he sat out the fourth quarter as the Celtics built a substantial lead, missing out on what could have been his third career game with ten made three-pointers.
A Streak in Jeopardy
Hauser’s remarkable streak of shooting 40 percent or better from three-point range, which dates back to his college career, is now in serious jeopardy with only one game left in the regular season. He has consistently maintained this accuracy throughout his time in the NBA, college, and G League, even suggesting that it began during his freshman year of high school. As he prepares for the final game against the Orlando Magic, Hauser is currently shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc. To retain his streak, he would need to make his first six attempts against Orlando.
Reflecting on Possibilities
In light of the potential end of his impressive shooting streak, Hauser acknowledged the reality of sports and performance. He expressed a sense of acceptance, noting that every good thing must eventually come to an end. However, after a night filled with success, he still holds a glimmer of hope for his final opportunity to maintain his storied record. With the excitement of the Celtics’ recent performance and Hauser’s shooting talents on full display, fans will be eagerly watching as the regular season wraps up.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research