NBA Recap: Celtics Break NBA Record for Three-Pointers, Deal Suns' Playoff Hopes a Blow

The Boston Celtics set a new NBA record for most three-pointers in a season with a 123-103 win over the Phoenix Suns, eclipsing the Golden State Warriors' previous record.

The Houston Rockets delivered a resounding statement with a 125-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, snapping their 11-game winning streak. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun formed a dynamic duo, combining for 65 points to lead the Rockets to a dominant win.

Protected our house 😤 pic.twitter.com/NUfTfDQJSs

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 5, 2025

The victory marked a significant upset, as the Thunder had been riding an impressive 11-game winning streak. The Rockets' all-around performance showcased their potential as a Western Conference contender, handing the top-seeded Thunder a setback in their preparations for the postseason.

Jalen Green led the charge for the Rockets, scoring 34 points on 11-of-24 shooting. Alperen Sengun, the Turkish big man, was equally impressive, contributing 31 points to the Rockets' cause. With the win, the second-placed Rockets improved their record to 51-27, solidifying their position in the Western Conference standings.

The Oklahoma City Thunder initially took the lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter, but the Houston Rockets quickly regained control with a physical approach. This allowed the Rockets to move into the lead and build a substantial 23-point advantage late in the second quarter.

The Rockets maintained a comfortable 20-point cushion with 2 minutes and 53 seconds remaining in the third quarter. However, the Thunder staged a rally, cutting the gap to single digits early in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, the Rockets regrouped effectively, thwarting any chance of a comeback from Oklahoma City.

Houston coach Ime Udoka praised the aggressive scoring approach of Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, stating, “He was in attack mode the whole time. Him and Jalen were a great combination tonight.” Udoka emphasized the significance of Sengun and Green's performance, adding, “We're hard to beat when those two are going like that.”

Jalen was on FIRE vs. OKC!

📊 34 PTS | 5 AST | 4 REB pic.twitter.com/oJNzgZYege

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 5, 2025

The Thunder's scoring efforts were led by Jalen Williams, who contributed 33 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 22 points, while Chet Holmgren chipped in with 20 points, 18 of which came from his six successful three-pointers.

Celtics Set New NBA Record for Three-Pointers in a Season

The Boston Celtics made history by setting a new NBA record for the most three-pointers scored in a single season. With 14 three-pointers in their 123-103 win over the Phoenix Suns, the Celtics surpassed the Golden State Warriors' record of 1,363 threes set in the 2022-2023 season, taking their season tally to 1,370.

Boston coach Joe Mazzulla attributed the record to his team's work ethic and basketball IQ, saying, “It says that we fight for a good shot. We were able to fight for good looks, versus the coverage. That's the most important thing, continuing to understand how we're being defended and how we can create the best shot possible.” Mazzulla praised his players for making smart decisions on the court, adding, “Credit to the guys for continuing to make the right reads.”

Back in the win column 😌#DifferentHere pic.twitter.com/1QIFrHLBOw

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 5, 2025

Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics' scoring charge with 31 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points in a 123-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The win dealt a significant blow to the Suns' fading playoff hopes.

The Suns' fifth consecutive defeat dropped them to 11th place in the Western Conference with a 35-42 record. They now trail the 10th-placed Sacramento Kings (37-40) by two wins. The Kings kept their playoff hopes alive with a 125-102 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Friday.

The playoff picture remains intense, with the top six teams in each conference set to qualify automatically for the postseason. Teams ranked seventh to 10th will compete in a four-team play-in tournament to determine the final two playoff spots.

In another thrilling matchup, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the San Antonio Spurs 114-113, moving closer to securing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers' nail-biting victory kept them in pole position to claim the top spot in the conference.