BOSTON — In an electrifying matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night, the Boston Celtics achieved a historic milestone by breaking the NBA record for the most three-pointers scored in a single season. The team eclipsed the previous record held by the Golden State Warriors from the 2022-23 season, setting a new standard that showcases their exceptional shooting capabilities and offensive strategy.

The record-breaking moment came during the second quarter when Payton Pritchard sank a left-wing 3-pointer with just 3:40 left on the clock, marking the Celtics' 1,364th three-pointer of the season. This impressive feat was soon followed by Kristaps Porzingis, who tied the record earlier in the same quarter. Porzingis executed a deft up-fake to elude his defender, dribbled a few steps to his left, and then confidently drained a shot from the top of the arc with 9:37 remaining in the second quarter.

Reflecting on the remarkable achievement, Celtics star Jayson Tatum expressed pride in his team, stating, “We’ve got a really good team. A talented group of guys. When we play to our strengths, everyone, for the most part, we space the floor and [everyone] is a threat from behind the line. It’s a credit to guys for working on their game. It’s what makes us special.” His comments highlight the importance of teamwork and individual dedication to skill development, which have been crucial in propelling the Celtics to this historic moment.

In their decisive 123-103 victory over the Suns, the Celtics showcased their three-point prowess, finishing the game with 14 successful shots from beyond the arc out of 39 attempts. This victory raised Boston's season total to 1,370 three-pointers, further establishing their dominance in this category. It's also worth noting that the Celtics previously ranked third in league history by hitting 1,351 three-pointers en route to winning the NBA title last season.

The Celtics got off to a flashy start in Friday's game, with Jaylen Brown making headlines by banking in a remarkable 35-footer just as the shot clock expired. Soon after, Tatum showcased his long-range shooting prowess by dribbling in from midcourt and landing a 29-footer, thrilling the crowd and setting the tone for the evening.

When asked about the significance of breaking the record and how it came to be, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla provided insight into the team’s strategy. He emphasized that “less than half of those attempts were from 3 because of the way they were defending us.” Mazzulla praised his players for their ability to adapt and fight for good looks against the Suns’ defensive coverage, asserting that understanding defensive strategies and making the right reads are vital to the team’s success.

This historic achievement not only cements the Celtics' place in NBA history but also underscores their evolution as a team capable of redefining offensive play in basketball. As they continue to make waves this season, fans eagerly anticipate how far this talented roster can go.