Rockets Snap OKC's Streak, Celtics Set NBA 3-Point Record in Friday Night Action
Key Insights
Rockets Stun Thunder:: Houston defeated top-seeded Oklahoma City 125-111, ending OKC's 11-game winning streak.
Green & Sengun Shine:: Jalen Green (34 points) and Alperen Sengun (31 points) led the charge for the Rockets.
Why this matters (Rockets):: This win solidifies Houston's position (51-27) as a major threat in the Western Conference and potentially disrupts OKC's momentum heading into the postseason.
Celtics Break Record:: Boston set a new NBA single-season record for three-pointers, surpassing the Golden State Warriors' 2022-23 mark of 1,363. They now stand at 1,370 for the season after hitting 14 threes in their 123-103 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Why this matters (Celtics):: This record highlights Boston's offensive efficiency and potent shooting, key factors in their championship aspirations. The win also further damaged the Suns' playoff hopes.
In-Depth Analysis
Rockets Halt Thunder's Momentum
The Houston Rockets showcased their potential as Western Conference contenders with a decisive 125-111 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite OKC taking an early lead, Houston's physicality and aggressive offense, spearheaded by Jalen Green (34 points) and Alperen Sengun (31 points), quickly turned the tide. The Rockets built a commanding 23-point lead and successfully weathered a late Thunder rally. Coach Ime Udoka praised the 'attack mode' of his star duo, stating, 'We're hard to beat when those two are going like that.' For OKC, Jalen Williams scored 33 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 22. This victory improves Houston's record to 51-27, strengthening their second-place standing in the West.
Celtics Make History from Deep
The Boston Celtics cemented their place in NBA history by setting a new single-season record for three-pointers made. Payton Pritchard hit the record-breaking shot early in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns, surpassing the previous mark held by the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics finished the game with 14 threes, bringing their season total to 1,370. Coach Joe Mazzulla attributed the record to the team's 'work ethic,' 'basketball IQ,' and ability to 'fight for good looks.' Jaylen Brown (31 points) and Jayson Tatum (23 points) led the Celtics in their 123-103 win, which simultaneously dealt a significant blow to the Suns' playoff aspirations, dropping them further behind in the race for a play-in spot.
Other Notable NBA News
The Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-113, moving closer to securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Josh Giddey: recorded a triple-double (15 points, 19 rebounds, 12 assists) in the Chicago Bulls' 118-113 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard has reportedly been elected as a first-ballot member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Nikola Jokic, calling him 'the best center I’ve ever seen.'
LeBron James: showed encouraging signs in his return from injury, scoring effectively for the Lakers against the Warriors.
FAQs
What was the previous NBA single-season three-point record?
The Golden State Warriors held the previous record with 1,363 three-pointers made during the 2022-2023 season.
Who hit the record-breaking three-pointer for the Celtics?
Payton Pritchard made the shot that set the new record (1,364th three of the season).
What is the Houston Rockets' current record?
Following their win against OKC, the Rockets improved to 51-27.
How does the Suns' loss affect their playoff chances?
The loss drops Phoenix to 11th in the West (35-42), making their path to the play-in tournament more difficult.
Key Takeaways
The Houston Rockets are proving they can compete with the very best in the West, adding intrigue to the upcoming playoffs.
The Boston Celtics' record-setting shooting display underscores their offensive dominance this season.
Playoff races in both conferences remain tight, with significant seeding implications in nearly every game.
Key players like Green, Sengun, Brown, and Tatum are hitting their stride as the postseason approaches.
Discussion
What did you think of the Rockets' performance against the Thunder? Can the Celtics' shooting carry them to another championship?
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Sources & References
Source 6: Cavs edge Spurs (HoopsHype)
Source 7: Dwight Howard Hall of Fame (HoopsHype)
Source 8: Steve Kerr on Nikola Jokic (HoopsHype)
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