Celtics Eye Three-Point Record Against Struggling Suns Tonight

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics aim to return to the win column on Friday night and make NBA history by breaking the single-season record for three-pointers. The Celtics require eight successful shots from beyond the arc to surpass the Golden State Warriors‘ mark of 1,363 threes set during the 2022-23 season. This milestone appears attainable against a Phoenix Suns team that has lost four consecutive games, surrendering an average of 134 points during that stretch.

The Celtics face the Suns at 7:40 PM EST at TD Garden. Boston, currently with a record of 56-20, has already clinched the Atlantic Division title and secured a top-two playoff seed. In their previous outing, Boston suffered a 124-103 defeat to the Miami Heat, ending a 14-game successful run.

The Suns, with a record of 35-41, sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division, 11.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers. They are struggling to secure a playoff spot, nine games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the final guaranteed playoff position and one game behind the Sacramento Kings for the last spot in the play-in tournament.

In their last game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix fell short 133-123. The Suns struggled defensively, allowing Milwaukee to shoot a scorching 68.9 percent. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 39 points and 11 assists but is ruled out for tonight’s game due to an ankle injury. Devin Booker, who averages 25.5 points per game, and recently-returned Bradley Beal, who missed eight games due to a hamstring strain, will be key in the lineup.

On the offensive end, Phoenix ranks 14th in the league, averaging 114.4 points per game. They excel at both shooting from the field and beyond the arc, with an average of 48 percent shooting and 14.5 three-pointers made per game. Meanwhile, the Suns’ defense sits at 22nd, allowing 116.6 points.

In comparison, the Celtics rank eighth in scoring offense with 116.7 points per game. Their scoring defense is even more impressive, ranking third by allowing just 107.9 points per game. Jayson Tatum is the standout performer, contributing 27 points and nearly nine rebounds per game.

Despite Boston’s recent upset against Miami, they intend to bounce back and maintain momentum as the playoffs approach. The Celtics’ success won’t just advance their playoff standing but will also create an opportunity to set the record for three-pointers, a goal that resonates in the league.

Boston is a significant favorite on their home court, as they aim to extend their advantageous record over the Suns, having won their last three encounters, including a decisive 132-102 victory just a week ago.

As tip-off approaches, all eyes will be on the Celtics’ three-point game. With Boston already leading the league in threes made per game, the chance to break a record adds an exciting layer to the matchup.