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

Morning sports update

“What the hell is 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' 3-point record: In the excitement of a night where the Celtics held their colors high – culminating in a resounding 132-109 season-opening win over the Knicks – it was easy for Boston fans to get caught up in the moment.

This may have happened late in the game, when it became clear to more and more fans that the Celtics were on the verge of setting an NBA single-game record for 3-point shots made by a team.

Boston ultimately matched the record (29 three-pointers), but was 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 three-pointers, former Celtic player (and radio commentator) Cedric Maxwell criticized the seemingly straightforward pursuit of a record.

After a particularly difficult stretch in which the Celtics missed three straight shots (all attempted 3-pointers), Maxwell responded to play-by-play commentator Sean Grande's assertion that fans knew the team was due social media only needed one more threesome to break the record.

“Get off social media,” Maxwell exclaimed. “What the hell is going on here?”

Later in the fourth quarter, Maxwell expressed mild frustration at continuing to score three points despite the lead and time left in the game.

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

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

Eventually, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla called for Boston to run out the clock, which ended the contest.

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

According to Grande, Boston fans saw things differently.

“And there will be boos,” he said with a wry smile. “Finally something the audience doesn’t like tonight.”

Interesting facts: After the Celtics last won the title (2008), Boston opened the next season at home against the Cavaliers and emerged with a 90-85 victory. It was a game from a completely different era of the NBA, with both teams combining to make just six 3-pointers. Which individual player led the three-man game that night?

(Answer below).

Note: He was not a Celtic, but 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 began their title defense on a positive note after holding banner number 18 and defeating the Knicks 132-109 in the 2024-25 season opener on Tuesday night at TD Garden.

Boston will head to its second game of the season against the Wizards on Thursday at 7 p.m

Also starting Tuesday, the Bruins lost 4-0 to the Predators in Nashville. The Bruins will also play again on 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, which culminated with the raising of the 18th banner.

On this day: In 2004, the Red Sox won a wild Game 1 of the World Series against the Cardinals at Fenway Park. After their historic ALCS comeback against the rival Yankees, Boston stormed into the Fall Classic full steam ahead to end their 86-year losing streak.

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

Luckily for the Red Sox, second baseman Mark Bellhorn hit a two-run home run that hit “Pesky Pole” in right field. Boston once again held the lead and managed to tie the game in the 9th thanks to some timely strikeouts from Keith Foulke. It gave the Red Sox an 11-9 win and a 1-0 series lead.

Daily highlight: Although the Celtics ended up missing their final 13 3-point attempts (and had a chance to tie the team record), Boston still managed to hit 29 three-pointers, tying the NBA single-game record.

Trivia answer: Mo Williams

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

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