The Boston Celtics have been among the best teams in the NBA for several season. As the defending NBA champions, they have a strong chance to repeat this season if health permits. With stars, good coaching and role players who fit, Boston owns the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 57-20.
One of their calling cards over the last few years has been their three-point shooting. The Celtics take a lot of threes. They do it because the math is simple: three points are worth more than two. Loaded with good shooters, that formula has proven to be effective, with this season being a great example.
During their win over the Phoenix Suns, the Celtics set the NBA record for most threes made in a season, a record previously set by the Golden State Warriors two years ago with 1,363. Among those who took to Instagram to celebrate the accomplishment were Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, and Sam Hauser, all of whom have played a part in how the Celtics got the record.
Tatum reacted by reposting Boston’s graphic on his story.
After beating the Suns, the Celtics have made 1,370 three-pointers and have five games left this season, meaning they can add even more to their record. The Celtics team from two years ago made the fifth-most three-pointers in a season with 1,315.
This year is even more impressive when considering context. The Celtics have gone through stretches without Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday, yet their three-point shooting has remained a strength.
Because three-pointers have become an emphasis in the NBA over the past decade, it’s likely that more teams will follow the Celtics’ formula.
