BOSTON — The Boston Celtics opened their season with an impressive display of 3-point shooting, foreshadowing a historic achievement. The team recently surpassed the NBA record for most 3-pointers in a single season during their win against the Phoenix Suns.
“We have an exceptional team,” said Celtics star Jayson Tatum. “We’re a talented group, and when we utilize our strengths, everyone is a threat from the 3-point arc. It’s a testament to how hard we’ve worked on our games. That’s what makes us unique.”
On their season opener, Boston made headlines by sinking 29 3-pointers in a commanding victory over the New York Knicks, coinciding with the ceremony for their championship banner.
The Celtics managed to eclipse the previous record held by the Golden State Warriors, with guard Payton Pritchard scoring the record-breaking 1,364th 3-pointer from the left wing early in the second quarter.
Kristaps Porzingis equaled the previous record with a deft move, stepping left to bypass a defender and drilling a shot from the top with over nine minutes remaining in the same quarter.
Ultimately, Boston completed 14 of 39 attempts from 3-point range, achieving a 123-103 victory and bringing their season total to 1,370 made 3-pointers. Notably, their previous season saw them rank third all-time with 1,351 successful 3-point attempts, culminating in an NBA championship.
Boston coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the quality of their shot selection, stating, “Less than half of our attempts were from 3-point range due to the defense’s approach. Navigating that coverage to find good looks was key. It’s about adaptability and our players making smart decisions.”
Mazzulla faced scrutiny in previous seasons for the team’s heavy reliance on 3-point shooting even during slumps, but he has consistently backed their strategy.
The Celtics showcased their long-range prowess early in the game against the Suns. Jaylen Brown wowed the crowd with a banked 35-footer as the shot clock expired, while Jayson Tatum made a notable 29-footer after advancing from midcourt.