The Boston Celtics didn't just win a game Friday night; they put on a historic shooting clinic. With a franchise and NBA record-tying 29 three-pointers, the Celtics stormed past the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118, a victory that officially secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Sam Hauser was the star of the long-range barrage, catching fire for 24 points on a blistering 8-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc. Jaylen Brown, back in the lineup after resting an injury, set the early tone with 12 first-quarter points and finished with 23, while Payton Pritchard orchestrated the offense with a sharp 21-point, 10-assist double-double.

The Celtics' dominance was total, leading by as many as 41 points against a depleted Pelicans squad resting several key starters. The record-tying performance from deep—matching a mark they set earlier this season and shared by two other teams—showcased the offensive firepower that makes Boston a formidable postseason threat. Even backup big man Neemias Queta joined the party, drilling the first three-pointer of his NBA career.

With the Atlantic Division title and the East's second seed now locked up, the Celtics can fine-tune their rotation and health before the playoffs begin. For the Pelicans, who were led by Jeremiah Fears' 36 points, the loss extends a difficult late-season slide as they prepare for another offseason outside the playoff picture.