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Cedric Maxwell wasn’t happy with the Celtics’ pursuit of the three-point record

Vaseline October 25, 2024

Morning sports update

“What’s going on here?”

Xavier Tillman reacts after missing a three-pointer in the fourth quarter. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff

Cedric Maxwell wasn’t a fan of the Celtics’ record three-point chase: In the excitement of a Celtics banner-raising night — culminating in an emphatic season-opening 132-109 victory over the Knicks — it was easy for Boston fans to get caught up in the moment.

This may have happened near the end of the game, when it became clear to an increasing number of fans that the Celtics were about to set an NBA single-game record for three-pointers made by a team.

Ultimately, Boston tied the record (29 threes), but went 0-for-13 on its final attempts of the night from beyond the arc. During the somewhat bizarre sequence at the end of the game, in which Boston won by a comfortable margin but repeatedly missed threes, ex-Celtic (and radio commentator) Cedric Maxwell went into what seemed like a simple pursuit of a record.

After a particularly tough stretch in which the Celtics missed three straight shots (all three-pointers), Maxwell responded to play-by-play commentator Sean Grande’s claim that fans knew the team only needed one more three for the good because of social media order. .

“Get off social media,” Maxwell exclaimed. “Is something going on here?”

Later in the fourth quarter, Maxwell expressed a mild level of frustration with the continued three-point shooting despite the lead and time remaining in the game.

“Good job, basketball gods,” he joked after another miss.

“This is kind of like Notre Dame trying to get the ball back so Rudy can get in the game,” Grande noted.

Ultimately, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called for Boston to run out the clock, ending the game.

“Thanks, Joe,” Maxwell concluded. “Thanks, Joe.”

Boston fans thought differently, according to Grande.

“And the boos will rain down,” he said with a wry smile. “Finally something that will dissatisfy the audience tonight.”

Trivia: After the Celtics’ last title win (in 2008), Boston opened the next season at home against the Cavaliers and emerged with a 90-85 win. It was a game from a very different era of the NBA, with both teams combining to make just six three-pointers in the game. Which individual player led the game in threes that night?

(Answer below).

Hint: Not Celtic, he made his Cavs debut in that game after being traded in a three-team deal involving the Bucks and Thunder. He also made his only All-Star appearance that season.

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics started their title defense on a positive note after raising No. 18 and defeating the Knicks 132-109 in the 2024-25 season opener on Tuesday night at TD Garden.

Boston hits the road for its second game of the season against the Wizards on Thursday at 7 p.m

Also from Tuesday, the Bruins lost 4-0 to the Predators in Nashville. The Bruins will also play again Thursday night, returning home to take on the Dallas Stars at 7 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

The Celtics’ full ring ceremony: Boston players enjoyed last season’s title win, highlighted by the raising of the 18th flag.

On this day: In 2004, the Red Sox won a wild Game 1 of the World Series against the Cardinals at Fenway Park. Fresh off their historic ALCS comeback against the rival Yankees, Boston charged full speed into the Fall Classic intent on ending its 86-year drought.

After leading 4-0 and then 7-2, the Red Sox struggled to contain St. Louis’ offense. The Cardinals tied the game at 7-7 in the 6th inning and 9-9 in the 8th.

Luckily for the Red Sox, second baseman Mark Bellhorn hit a two-run home run that hit “Pesky Pole” in right field. Boston had the lead again and was able to close things out in the 9th thanks to some timely strikeouts from Keith Foulke. It gave the Red Sox an 11-9 victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Daily highlight: Although the Celtics ultimately missed their final 13 three-point attempts (and a chance to own the team record outright), Boston still managed to knock down 29 threes, tying the NBA single-game record.

Trivia answer: Mo Williams

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports related in New England.