Cedric Maxwell wasn't thrilled with the Celtics' pursuit of a record 3-pointer

Morning Sports Update

“What’s going on here?”

Xavier Tillman reacts after missing a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff

Cedric Maxwell wasn’t a fan of Celtics’ pursuit of 3-point record: In the excitement of a Celtics banner-raising night — culminating in an emphatic 132-109 season-opening 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 a growing number of fans that the Celtics were on the verge of setting a single-game NBA record for 3-pointers made by a team.

In the end, Boston made the game-high (29 threes), but went 0 of 13 on the evening’s final attempts from beyond the arc. During the somewhat bizarre sequence late in the game, with Boston winning by a comfortable margin but repeatedly missing three points, former Celtic (and radio commentator) Cedric Maxwell took issue with what appeared to be the simple pursuit of ‘a record.

After a particularly rough stretch in which the Celtics missed three straight shots (all attempted 3-pointers), Maxwell reacted to play-by-play commentator Sean Grande’s assertion that fans knew the The team only needed one more three for the recording due to social media. .

“Get off social media,” Maxwell exclaimed. “What’s going on here?”

Later in the fourth quarter, Maxwell expressed a slight level of frustration with the continued 3-point shooting despite the lead and time remaining in the game.

“Well done, basketball gods,” he joked after another failure.

“It’s like Notre Dame is trying to get the ball back so Rudy can get in the game,” Grande remarked.

Ultimately, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called Boston to run out the clock, effectively ending the contest.

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

Boston fans, according to Grande, felt differently about the situation.

“And the boos will rain,” he said with an ironic smile. “Finally something to displease the crowd this evening.”

Anecdote: After the Celtics’ last victory (in 2008), Boston opened the next season at home against the Cavaliers, coming out with a 90-85 victory. It was a game from a very different era of the NBA, with both teams combining for just six 3-pointers in the game. Which individual player led the three-way match that night?

(Answer at bottom).

Hint: Not being a Celtic, he made his Cavs debut in this 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 high note after raising banner number 18, beating the Knicks 132-109 in the 2024-25 season opener Tuesday night at TD Garden.

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

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

More from Boston.com:

The full Celtics ceremony: Boston players relished winning the title last season, culminating in the raising of the 18th banner.

That day: In 2004, the Red Sox won a wild World Series opener against the Cardinals at Fenway Park. Fresh off their historic ALCS comeback against the rival Yankees, Boston went full speed ahead into the Fall Classic, intent on ending an 86-year drought.

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

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

Highlight of the day: Even though the Celtics ended up missing their last 13 3-point attempts (and a chance to hold the team record), Boston still managed to knock down 29 three-pointers, tying the record for a only NBA game.

Trivial answer: Mo Williams

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

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