Celtics win over Hornets NBA's best offensive performance in 18 years
Yes, I know the Charlotte Hornets are not the powerhouse of the Eastern Conference (10th best record), but the Celtics offensive game in the February 28th 134-106 win was one for the record books. Boston shot 62% on field goals, 60% on three-pointers and 93% from the foul line, and the out-of-this-world accuracy went nine-deep, all the way from Kyrie Irving (72/67/100) to Abdel Nader (50% FG/50% 3's).
Celtics shot 62-60-93 tonight. Per @bball_ref, it's been 18 years since an NBA team did that in a game. https://t.co/7XNXLN2B80
— Mark Van Deusen (@LucidSportsFan) March 1, 2018
Including Irving, nine Celtics blistered the nets at a 50%-or-greater rate on field goals, and eight of them shot 50%-or-better on threes. Had Semi Ojoleye not missed one-of-two free throws, the Celtics would have been a perfect 15/15 from the foul line.
Tonight was also the first time in NBA history a team has shot 62-60-93 or better while attempting more than 10 threes. The Celtics went 12-20 from deep. https://t.co/W4eaMPxmvr
— Mark Van Deusen (@LucidSportsFan) March 1, 2018
Marcus Smart's 80%-field goal-percentage led the Celtics in that category, and he was a perfect 100% on three-pointers. Greg Monroe shot 67% on field goals, followed by Marcus Morris and Jaylen Brown at 58% and 57%, respectively. Nader, Terry Rozier, Al Horford and Jayson Tatum all scored in the low-to-mid 50's on FG%.
Celtics had a 136 offensive rating tonight. Their season average is 104.9.
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) March 1, 2018
It needs to be mentioned that for this game Boston handed out a total of 31 assists, compared to their season everage of 22/game (ranked 20th in the NBA). This was a game where, on offense, everything clicked. Boston's offensive game has significantly improved since the All-Star break. Let's hope it continues.
Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC
Photo via Michael Dwyer/AP
