The April 10 showdown between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden was a masterclass in modern offensive efficiency. Boston's 144-118 victory did more than just secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference; it etched this roster into the record books. By knocking down 29 three-pointers, the Celtics tied the all-time NBA record for triples in a single game, a mark previously shared by the 2024 Celtics, the 2025 Grizzlies, and the 2020 Bucks.

This matchup highlighted the stark contrast between a championship contender firing on all cylinders and a Pelicans squad struggling with a depleted roster as their season nears a disappointing conclusion. For fans and analysts looking at the New Orleans Pelicans vs Celtics match player stats, the numbers tell a story of depth, shooting variance, and the emergence of young talent in the face of veteran absences.

Team Performance Overview and Quarter Breakdown

The game started with an explosive offensive rhythm from Boston that New Orleans simply could not match. The Celtics poured in 44 points in the opening frame, effectively ending the competitive portion of the night before the first buzzer. New Orleans managed 25 points in the first, but they were playing uphill for the remainder of the evening.

Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
New Orleans Pelicans 25 26 31 36 118
Boston Celtics 44 38 34 28 144

Boston’s efficiency peaked in the first half, where they built a massive 31-point lead. By halftime, the score sat at 82-51. The Pelicans showed resilience in the second half, outscoring Boston 36-28 in the final quarter, but this was largely against the Celtics' deep bench unit as the starters had long since secured the result. The total point differential of +26 for Boston reflects their dominance in the paint (40 PITP) and their elite ball movement, resulting in 26 fast-break points.

Boston Celtics Player Stats: The Three-Point Barrage

Boston’s performance was even more impressive considering they were without Jayson Tatum, who was rested following his ongoing recovery protocols from Achilles surgery. In his absence, the scoring was distributed across the perimeter, with Sam Hauser leading the charge.

Sam Hauser: The Perimeter Specialist

Sam Hauser finished the night with a team-high 24 points. His shooting display was the catalyst for the record-tying night, as he connected on 8-of-12 attempts from beyond the arc. Hauser’s ability to find space in the corners against the Pelicans' zone defense proved impossible to contain. Beyond his scoring, he contributed defensively with 1 block and several key deflections, finishing with a game-high plus/minus of +22 in 28 minutes of action.

Jaylen Brown: Aggressive Leadership

Returning to the lineup after a brief stint on the injury report with Achilles tendonitis, Jaylen Brown wasted no time making his presence felt. He scored 23 points in just 29 minutes, sitting out the entire fourth quarter. Brown’s 12 first-quarter points were pivotal in establishing the early lead. His efficiency was notable, shooting over 55% from the field and attacking the rim to complement the team's outside shooting.

Payton Pritchard: The Engine

Payton Pritchard continued his stellar season by recording a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists. As the primary floor general in this contest, Pritchard’s vision allowed Hauser and Brown to get clean looks. His ability to push the pace led to 18 points on the break for the Celtics. Pritchard’s own shooting remained sharp, contributing four triples to the team's total.

Neemias Queta: A Career Milestone

The big man Neemias Queta provided one of the most memorable moments of the night. Known primarily for his rebounding and rim protection, Queta knocked down his first career three-pointer, which drew a massive ovation from the TD Garden crowd. He finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, providing a physical presence that New Orleans lacked. His 4 blocks anchored a defense that limited New Orleans' second-chance opportunities.

New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats: Fighting Uphill

The Pelicans entered the game significantly shorthanded. With Zion Williamson (knee), Herb Jones (rest), Saddiq Bey (rest), Trey Murphy III (ankle), and Dejounte Murray (hand) all sidelined, the responsibility fell on the younger players and reserves to carry the load.

Jeremiah Fears: A Career Performance

In a game where little went right for New Orleans, Jeremiah Fears was a major bright spot. The young guard exploded for 36 points, showcasing an advanced scoring package. Fears attacked the Celtics' drop coverage with poise, getting to his mid-range spots and finishing through contact at the rim. His 36 points represent a season-high and provide the Pelicans' front office with significant data on his potential as a primary scorer heading into the offseason.

Derik Queen: Double-Double in the Paint

Derik Queen battled against Boston’s size all night, finishing with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Queen was particularly effective in the third quarter, where he scored 10 points on a variety of post moves and putbacks. Despite the loss, Queen’s development as a double-double threat remains one of the few positive takeaways for the Pelicans this season.

The Bench and Role Players

The rest of the Pelicans' roster struggled to find consistency. Without their primary playmakers, the team recorded 17 turnovers, which Boston converted into 18 points. Jose Alvarado provided his usual energy off the bench with 5 points and 3 assists, but the lack of perimeter threats allowed Boston to pack the paint and dare the Pelicans' reserves to shoot from deep. New Orleans shot just 31% from the three-point line, a stark contrast to Boston’s historic night.

Comparative Analysis: Evolution Since October

To understand the New Orleans Pelicans vs Celtics match player stats from this April encounter, it is helpful to look back at their previous meeting on October 27, 2025. In that game, Boston also won decisively (122-90), but the statistical leaders were different. Anfernee Simons led the Celtics with 25 points in that matchup, while Jordan Poole was the primary scorer for the Pelicans with 22 points.

The evolution of both teams over the season is evident in these stats. Boston has moved from a team relying on individual brilliance to a cohesive unit capable of breaking NBA records even when their superstars sit out. Meanwhile, the Pelicans' trajectory has been hampered by injuries. In the October game, New Orleans was missing Zion Williamson but still had several other starters available. By April, the injury list grew too long to overcome, leading to their current nine losses in the last ten games.

Tactical Breakdown: How the 29 Threes Happened

The Celtics’ pursuit of the record was not just a result of hot shooting; it was a tactical victory. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s system emphasizes "expected value" per possession, and against a Pelicans defense that was missing its best perimeter defender in Herb Jones, Boston exploited every rotation error.

  1. Drive and Kick Consistency: Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard consistently penetrated the first line of defense. When the Pelicans' bigs stepped up to contest, the ball was immediately swung to the corners. Sam Hauser and Sam Hauser (8 threes) were the primary beneficiaries.
  2. Transition Gravity: Boston’s pace (13 fast break points) forced New Orleans into cross-matches. Often, a Pelicans big man would find himself guarding a Celtics shooter on the perimeter, leading to uncontested looks.
  3. The Queta Factor: By having a center like Neemias Queta who could suddenly space the floor, Boston pulled New Orleans' rim protection away from the basket, opening up lanes for Jaylen Brown's cuts.

Advanced Metrics and Efficiency Ratings

Looking deeper into the New Orleans Pelicans vs Celtics match player stats, the efficiency ratings underscore the lopsided nature of the contest. Boston finished with a True Shooting Percentage (TS%) north of 70%, an elite number that is difficult to sustain over 48 minutes.

  • Assist-to-Turnover Ratio: Boston recorded 25 assists against just 11 turnovers. This 2.27 ratio indicates elite ball security and decision-making.
  • Rebounding Dominance: Despite being a smaller team for stretches, Boston out-rebounded New Orleans 66 to 46. The Celtics' 16 offensive rebounds led to 17 second-chance points, effectively demoralizing the Pelicans' defense.
  • Points in the Paint: Boston won the PITP battle 40-5. This is perhaps the most surprising stat of the night. While the 29 threes grabbed the headlines, Boston’s ability to prevent New Orleans from scoring near the rim was the true defensive story.

Implications for the Postseason and Beyond

For the Boston Celtics, this win was the final piece of the puzzle for the regular season. Clinching the No. 2 seed and the Atlantic Division title allows them to manage minutes in their final game against the Magic. The performance of the bench—specifically Hauser and Pritchard—gives the coaching staff confidence that they can maintain offensive production during the grueling playoff rotations.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, this game marks another chapter in a season defined by "what ifs." Missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year will likely lead to a summer of introspection regarding their medical protocols and roster construction. However, the performance of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen suggests that the cupboard is not entirely bare. If these young pieces can be integrated with a healthy Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray next season, the Pelicans could return to contention.

Summary of Key Stats

  • Final Score: Boston 144, New Orleans 118
  • 3-Pointers: Boston 29 (NBA Record Tied), New Orleans 11
  • Leading Scorers: Jeremiah Fears (36 pts), Sam Hauser (24 pts), Jaylen Brown (23 pts)
  • Rebounds: Neemias Queta (10), Derik Queen (11)
  • Assists: Payton Pritchard (10)

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Celtics match player stats from April 10 will be remembered as the night the Celtics' depth reached a historic peak. As Boston prepares for a deep playoff run, New Orleans looks toward a crucial offseason, hoping that the flashes of brilliance shown by their young core can eventually translate into winning basketball.