BOSTON — The Celtics lead the pack when it comes to 3-point shooting but they took their frequency to another level on Wednesday night. Boston put up 36 first half 3-point attempts against the Thunder, which set a new NBA record for most attempts in a first half.
The Celtics took 75 percent of their field goal attempts behind the arc in the first half. They knocked down 15 of those 36 attempts to help them put up 60 first half points against one of the NBA’s best defenses despite playing without Kristaps Porzingis. Derrick White, Jayson Tatum and Al Horford all led the 3-point barrage with seven attempts each in the first half. Eight Celtic players got up the 3-point attempts in the first half to contribute to the record.
It was the second time this season that Boston has entered the NBA record books due to their 3-point shooting. On opening night against the Knicks, they tied the NBA record for 3-point makes in a game, knocking down 29 3-point makes to tie the Bucks’ record. Boston had ample chance to break that record but missed their final 13 attempts of that game from beyond the arc. The team also set a new franchise record for 3-point attempts (61) in that win until it was topped on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday night, the Thunder had a set strategy of collapsing with multiple defenders against Boston’s dribble penetration. That led Celtics ball handlers to constantly look for kick out passes towards the perimeter, setting the stage for the new NBA record.
Boston took 22 3-point attempts in the first quarter alone compared to just two 2-point attempts and did not even make a 2-point field goal until Payton Pritchard made a fast break layup early in the second quarter.
The Celtics' 3-point rate declining as the second half wore on but the team still set a new franchise record for 3-point attempts in a game with 63. However, they only hit 18.5 percent of those attempts (5-of-27) after intermission, preventing them from keeping up with the Thunder offense in a 118-112 loss at TD Garden.
