Move over, Stephen Curry-there’s a new three-point king in town. The Boston Celtics solidified their dominance beyond the arc on Friday night, breaking the record for the most three-pointers made in a season, thanks to the phenomenal Jayson Tatum.
Facing the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden, the Celtics made history during a celebratory 123-103 victory. Not only did they secure the win, but they also shattered the record Curry’s Golden State Warriors set just two years ago.
The record-breaking shot came early in the second quarter, when Payton Pritchard launched a deep three-pointer from several feet beyond the arc, helping Boston reach the milestone with five games still remaining in the regular season.
Celtics vs. Warriors: Which reigns supreme?
By the game’s end, the Celtics had tallied 1,370 three-pointers this season, surpassing the Warriors’ 2022-2023 record of 1,363. Notably, Golden State achieved their feat in 82 regular-season games, while Boston managed to break it in just 77 games, with five additional matchups left to pad their stats further.
Leading the Warriors, Curry averaged 10 three-point attempts per game, with Curry shooting at a remarkable .427 percentage. Klay Thompson also contributed heavily, averaging 10 attempts at a .412 efficiency.
While Boston’s roster may not be as efficient, it showcases greater depth in the long-range department. Jayson Tatum averages 10.1 three-point attempts per game, shooting at .348, while Derrick White puts up 9.1 attempts with a .381 percentage. Payton Pritchard, meanwhile, fires 7.9 long-range shots per game at an impressive .411 efficiency.
Tatum and the Celtics eye another record
Breaking the record for most three-pointers made isn’t the only milestone Boston has in sight. The team is now targeting the record for most three-pointers attempted in a season, set by the Houston Rockets during the 2018-2019 campaign with 3,721 attempts.
Following Friday’s showdown with Phoenix, Boston already holds the second-best mark in NBA history with 3,718 attempts, just three shy of Houston’s record. With such a narrow margin, the Celtics are poised to break the Rockets’ record during Sunday’s game against the Washington Wizards.
