By Shane Young, Contributor.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots a three-point shot over Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on March 24, 2025, in Sacramento, California.

In an extraordinary demonstration of shooting prowess, the Boston Celtics have established a new NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a single season, eclipsing the previous record held by the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors set the bar at 1,363 three-pointers during the 2022-23 season, but the Celtics surpassed this milestone in the second quarter of their game against the Phoenix Suns, marking a significant achievement in a season that has already been characterized by record-breaking performances across the league.

To provide some context, this remarkable event took place with a week still remaining in the NBA season. The Celtics have five games left in their regular schedule, which means they are in a position to not just break the record, but potentially shatter it by a significant margin. Currently, they lead the league by averaging 17.8 three-pointers made per game and could exceed the Warriors’ mark by 100 or more shots if they maintain this pace. The Celtics have set themselves apart, entering the game against the Suns with a staggering 156 three-pointers more than the Cleveland Cavaliers, who sit in second place with 1,200 makes. This represents the largest gap between the top two teams in terms of three-point shooting since the 2018-19 Houston Rockets, who were 218 three-pointers ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks in that season.

The Celtics' journey to this record-breaking achievement is fascinating, particularly when one considers the evolution of their offensive strategy. They are not merely shooting threes at a high volume but are also excelling in efficiency. According to data from Cleaning The Glass, the Celtics are currently ranked among the top 10 teams in perimeter efficiency for the third consecutive year. Interestingly, this is the first time in NBA history that a team has taken more than 50% of its shots from beyond the arc. When excluding garbage time, their three-point shooting volume stands seven percentage points higher than that of the second-place team this season.

The shift in the Celtics' identity can be traced back to a significant coaching overhaul that occurred in September 2022. Joe Mazzulla, now finishing his third season as the head coach, has played a crucial role in this transformation. His approach prioritizes winning above all else, dismissing any concerns about how the team’s style of play might resonate with traditional basketball aesthetics. When reflecting on the Celtics' three-point strategy, Mazzulla quoted the legendary Celtics coach Red Auerbach, stating, “Rebounding is the second most important thing in basketball. The first is shooting.”

Boston's offensive system is not based solely on shooting threes indiscriminately. Unlike the Mike D’Antoni-led Rockets, which often relied heavily on isolation plays, the Celtics employ a well-rounded offensive strategy. Their game plan includes a mix of drive-and-kick plays, off-ball screens, and ball-screen mismatches, creating a dynamic offense that consistently stresses opposing defenses. With players like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford capable of shooting accurately from the perimeter, the Celtics often find themselves generating high-quality three-point opportunities.

The Celtics' shooting prowess has become a significant challenge for many teams, particularly those that rely on traditional big men who struggle to defend on the perimeter. Joe Mazzulla’s strategy has led to an impressive statistic: Boston has recorded at least 15 three-pointers in 198 games since he took over, far outpacing the next highest team, the Golden State Warriors, by 61 games. The team has an astounding winning percentage of 82.3% when making at least 15 three-pointers in a game, which translates to a performance akin to a 67-win season.

When the benchmark is raised to 20 made three-pointers, the Celtics' success rate becomes even more striking. Under Mazzulla’s leadership, the team boasts a record of 53 wins and only 6 losses when they hit 20 or more threes, surpassing the famed 73-9 record held by the Golden State Warriors. This level of success raises questions about the narrative that “jump-shooting teams can’t win championships,” a notion that has been challenged by the Celtics' current trajectory.

Despite critics claiming that the three-point revolution is detrimental to the popularity of basketball, recent data suggests that television ratings are not necessarily declining due to this playstyle. The argument often overlooks the impact of changing viewing habits, including cable-cutting and illegal streaming, which have transformed the landscape of sports viewership. While some traditionalists express dissatisfaction with the Celtics' shooting strategy, preferring mid-range shots, it is essential to recognize the strategic nature of Boston's offense, which is designed to create high-quality opportunities.

As the Celtics continue to break records and redefine the game, it’s crucial for basketball fans to appreciate the diverse styles that different teams bring to the league. Embracing these changes not only enhances the viewing experience but fosters a broader understanding of the evolving nature of the sport.