The Boston Celtics made a powerful statement in their 2024-25 NBA season opener, tying an NBA record by sinking 29 three-pointers in a dominant 132-109 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. The Celtics, who raised their championship banner in a pregame ceremony, wasted no time in showcasing their firepower from beyond the arc.
Jayson Tatum led the charge, connecting on eight of his 11 three-point attempts and posting a game-high 37 points, along with 10 assists. Tatum was one of seven Celtics players to hit a three-pointer in the contest. The team’s 29 three-pointers tied the NBA record previously set by the Milwaukee Bucks against the Miami Heat in December 2020.
Boston’s 29th three-pointer came courtesy of Al Horford, who drained the shot with 8:54 left in the fourth quarter to push the lead to 126-93. Despite missing their final 13 three-point attempts, the Celtics had already shattered their previous franchise record of 27 made three-pointers, set against the Knicks in November 2022.
The Celtics shot an impressive 50.5% from the field and 47.5% from beyond the arc, finishing the night 29 of 61 from long range. Five other Celtics joined Tatum in double figures, including Derrick White with 24 points and six three-pointers, Jaylen Brown with 23 points and five triples, Jrue Holiday with 18 points, and Horford and Sam Hauser contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively. Brown and Xavier Tillman also led Boston with seven rebounds each.
The Knicks, despite shooting a respectable 55.1% from the field, struggled to keep up with Boston’s relentless scoring. Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride led New York with 22 points apiece, while Karl-Anthony Towns, in his debut with the Knicks, added 22 points and seven rebounds. Mikal Bridges chipped in 16 points, Josh Hart had 12, and Cameron Payne finished with 11 points.
Boston set the tone early, jumping out to a 43-24 lead after the first quarter and maintaining control throughout the game. By halftime, the Celtics had drained 17 of their 32 three-point attempts, tying their franchise record for most made three-pointers in a half. Despite New York’s 57.9% shooting from the floor in the first half, the Knicks found themselves down by 19 at the break.
The Celtics’ largest lead of the game was 35 points, while the Knicks’ only lead came early in the first quarter at 6-5. From there, Boston’s long-range shooting and overall dominance ensured that the Knicks were unable to mount any significant challenge.
With this emphatic win, the Celtics have set a high standard for the season, reminding the league of their offensive prowess and their potential to break records. They will look to build on this performance as they continue their campaign.
Leave a Reply