Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
The celtics vs new orleans pelicans match player stats tell the story of one of Boston’s most efficient offensive performances of the 2025 to 2026 NBA season. Playing in front of a packed TD Garden crowd on 11 April 2026, the Boston Celtics overwhelmed the New Orleans Pelicans with a commanding 144 to 118 victory. From elite three point shooting to balanced scoring across the lineup, Boston controlled the contest almost from the opening tip.
Rather than relying on one superstar, the Celtics showcased outstanding teamwork, precise ball movement, and remarkable shooting efficiency. The Pelicans, meanwhile, received an incredible individual scoring display from rookie Jeremiah Fears, but defensive struggles and Boston’s relentless perimeter attack proved too much to overcome.
This detailed breakdown examines the complete game, including player statistics, team numbers, quarter by quarter momentum shifts, tactical observations, and what the result means for both franchises heading into the end of the regular season.
Match Overview
| Match Details | Information |
| Event | Boston Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans |
| League | NBA Regular Season |
| Date | 11 April 2026 |
| Venue | TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts |
| Attendance | 19,156 |
| Final Score | Boston Celtics 144, New Orleans Pelicans 118 |
| Winner | Boston Celtics |
| Season Series | Celtics won 2 to 0 |
Boston entered the contest with a 55 and 26 record, already among the Eastern Conference’s elite teams. Following the victory, the Celtics improved to 56 and 26, maintaining first place in the Atlantic Division.
The Pelicans arrived in Boston with a 26 and 55 record and were unable to slow one of the league’s hottest offenses. The defeat dropped New Orleans to 26 and 56, closing another difficult campaign.
Although the final margin was 26 points, the game was effectively decided much earlier. Boston established complete control during the opening half, forcing the Pelicans into an uphill battle that became increasingly difficult as the game progressed.
Celtics vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats
Anyone searching for celtics vs new orleans pelicans match player stats is usually looking beyond the final score. The numbers reveal why Boston dominated nearly every important area of the game.
Final Team Statistics
| Team | Celtics | Pelicans |
| Points | 144 | 118 |
| Field Goals | 52 of 96 (54%) | 44 of 96 (46%) |
| Three Pointers | 29 of 59 (49%) | 9 of 32 (28%) |
| Free Throws | 11 of 15 (73%) | 21 of 30 (70%) |
| Rebounds | 44 | 44 |
| Assists | 35 | 22 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Steals | 9 | 6 |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 |
| Personal Fouls | 26 | 19 |
One statistic immediately stands out.
Boston made 29 three pointers, converting nearly 49 percent of its attempts. That remarkable outside shooting created an offensive explosion that New Orleans simply could not match.
Although both teams collected the same number of rebounds and committed the same number of turnovers, Boston’s superior shooting efficiency and outstanding passing created a significant scoring gap.
First Half Set the Tone
The Celtics wasted little time establishing control.
First Quarter
| Team | Points |
| Celtics | 44 |
| Pelicans | 25 |
Boston produced one of its strongest opening quarters of the season.
The offense flowed naturally, transition opportunities were converted efficiently, and the Celtics consistently found open shooters around the perimeter. Their defensive pressure also forced New Orleans into several uncomfortable possessions.
By the end of twelve minutes, Boston already held a 19 point advantage.
Second Quarter
| Team | Points |
| Celtics | 38 |
| Pelicans | 26 |
The second quarter followed a similar pattern.
Boston continued moving the basketball with exceptional patience, recording assists on many of its made baskets. The Pelicans occasionally found success attacking the paint, but every small run was answered by another Celtics scoring burst.
At halftime, Boston led:
82 to 51
Scoring 82 first half points against an NBA defense demonstrates just how efficiently the Celtics executed their offensive system.
The game was largely decided before halftime, allowing Boston to manage the remainder of the contest from a position of complete control.
Boston’s Balanced Offensive Attack
One of the most impressive aspects of this victory was the distribution of scoring.
Unlike many NBA games that revolve around one dominant scorer, Boston received meaningful offensive production throughout its rotation.
Several players scored more than twenty points while others contributed valuable rebounds, assists, and defensive plays.
This balance makes defending the Celtics extremely difficult because opponents cannot simply focus on stopping one player.
During this game, nearly every possession featured quick passing, smart off ball movement, and high quality shot selection.
The result was one of Boston’s highest scoring performances of the season and another reminder of why they remained among the Eastern Conference favorites entering the postseason.
Complete Celtics Player Statistics
The Celtics received contributions from nearly every player in the rotation. Instead of depending on one superstar performance, Boston spread the scoring across the lineup while maintaining excellent ball movement and shooting efficiency.
Boston Celtics Key Performers
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Key Contribution |
| Sam Hauser | 24 | 4 | 2 | Team leading scorer with outstanding perimeter shooting |
| Jaylen Brown | 23 | 5 | 5 | Efficient scoring and leadership on both ends |
| Payton Pritchard | 21 | 5 | 10 | Double digit assists while controlling the offense |
| Neemias Queta | 10 | 10 | 2 | Double double with a strong defensive presence |
| Derrick White | Valuable all around contribution | Defensive pressure, spacing, and ball movement | ||
| Jordan Walsh | Solid supporting role | Energy, defense, and transition play |
Although several players reached double figures, Sam Hauser stood out as Boston’s top scorer with 24 points. His ability to stretch the floor forced the Pelicans to defend well beyond the three point line, opening driving lanes for teammates.
Jaylen Brown added 23 points, continuing his consistent production throughout the season. Rather than forcing difficult shots, Brown allowed the game to come naturally, attacking mismatches and making smart decisions with the basketball.
Payton Pritchard quietly delivered one of the game’s most complete performances. His 21 points and 10 assists reflected complete command of Boston’s offense. Every time the Pelicans attempted to slow Boston’s scoring, Pritchard responded by creating quality opportunities for teammates.
Neemias Queta anchored the paint with 10 rebounds, earning a valuable double double while protecting the rim and finishing efficiently around the basket.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Statistics
Despite the loss, several Pelicans produced encouraging individual performances.
New Orleans Pelicans Key Performers
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Key Contribution |
| Jeremiah Fears | 36 | 4 | Outstanding scoring performance |
| Derik Queen | 25 | 7 | Efficient inside scoring |
| Josh Oduro | 12 | 12 | Dominated the glass with a double double |
| Jordan Poole | Important offensive support | Shot creation and playmaking | |
| Kevon Looney | Interior defense | Veteran presence in the paint | |
| Micah Peavy | Defensive energy | Hustle and transition effort |
Jeremiah Fears delivered the best individual scoring performance of the night with 36 points.
Considering the Celtics’ defensive reputation, scoring 36 points represents a remarkable achievement. Fears consistently attacked the basket, knocked down difficult jump shots, and remained aggressive throughout all four quarters.
However, basketball remains a team game.
While Fears excelled individually, Boston’s balanced attack generated offense from multiple positions, making it nearly impossible for New Orleans to keep pace.
Derik Queen added 25 points, giving the Pelicans another reliable scoring option inside. His physical play around the basket helped New Orleans remain competitive during stretches of the second half.
Josh Oduro quietly posted a strong double double by collecting 12 rebounds, matching Boston’s effort on the glass despite the final score.
Comparing the Starting Lineups
Boston Celtics Starters
| Player |
| Sam Hauser |
| Neemias Queta |
| Derrick White |
| Jaylen Brown |
| Jordan Walsh |
Boston’s starting group established control immediately. Their spacing, defensive communication, and unselfish passing allowed the Celtics to build a large advantage before halftime.
New Orleans Pelicans Starters
| Player |
| Kevon Looney |
| Derik Queen |
| Jordan Poole |
| Micah Peavy |
| Jeremiah Fears |
The Pelicans’ starting five featured several young contributors alongside experienced veterans. Although the lineup showed flashes offensively, Boston’s movement without the ball repeatedly exposed defensive gaps.
Shooting Efficiency Made the Difference
When evaluating this matchup, shooting percentages explain almost everything.
Field Goal Comparison
| Category | Celtics | Pelicans |
| Made | 52 | 44 |
| Attempted | 96 | 96 |
| Percentage | 54% | 46% |
Both teams attempted exactly 96 field goals, making this comparison especially revealing.
Boston simply converted more of its opportunities.
An eight percent difference in shooting efficiency over nearly one hundred attempts translates into a significant scoring advantage.
Three Point Shooting Completely Changed the Game
The biggest statistical difference came from beyond the arc.
| Category | Celtics | Pelicans |
| Three Pointers Made | 29 | 9 |
| Attempts | 59 | 32 |
| Percentage | 49% | 28% |
Boston connected on 29 three pointers, more than triple the Pelicans’ total.
That difference alone accounted for a massive swing in offensive production.
The Celtics consistently generated open perimeter looks through patient ball movement rather than difficult isolation plays. Extra passes forced defensive rotations, eventually creating clean shooting opportunities.
New Orleans struggled to contest these shots effectively, allowing Boston’s shooters to build confidence throughout the night.
Ball Movement Was Elite
One statistic often overlooked is assists.
| Team | Assists |
| Celtics | 35 |
| Pelicans | 22 |
Recording 35 assists on 52 made baskets demonstrates outstanding teamwork.
Rather than relying on individual shot creation, Boston repeatedly trusted the extra pass. This approach resulted in higher quality looks and kept every player involved offensively.
Payton Pritchard’s 10 assists highlighted this unselfish style of basketball.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, finished with 22 assists, a respectable total but well below Boston’s level of offensive organization.
Rebounding Battle Ends Even
One surprising statistic from the game is that both teams grabbed exactly 44 rebounds.
This shows the Pelicans competed well physically despite the loss.
Josh Oduro’s work inside and Neemias Queta’s strong rebounding performance helped keep the contest even on the boards.
Ultimately, rebounding was not the deciding factor.
Superior shooting efficiency and perimeter scoring allowed Boston to build and maintain its commanding lead.
Quarter by Quarter Game Analysis
Looking beyond the final score, the flow of the game explains why Boston remained in control from start to finish. Every quarter had its own story, but the Celtics consistently dictated the pace with disciplined offense and timely defensive stops.
First Quarter: Boston Delivers an Early Statement
Score: Celtics 44, Pelicans 25
The opening quarter was the turning point of the game.
Boston came out with energy on both ends of the floor, pushing the pace in transition while moving the ball quickly around the perimeter. Nearly every offensive possession produced a high quality shot, and the Celtics’ confidence grew with each made basket.
The Pelicans struggled to match Boston’s rhythm. Defensive rotations were often a step late, allowing open shooters to capitalize from beyond the arc. On offense, New Orleans found occasional success through Jeremiah Fears, but the team lacked the consistency needed to answer Boston’s explosive start.
By the end of the quarter, the Celtics had built a 19 point lead, putting immediate pressure on the visitors.
Second Quarter: Celtics Extend Their Advantage
Score: Celtics 38, Pelicans 26
Instead of slowing down, Boston continued attacking.
The Celtics maintained outstanding ball movement, refusing to settle for contested shots. Their willingness to make the extra pass repeatedly forced New Orleans into difficult defensive situations.
Jaylen Brown attacked mismatches effectively, while Payton Pritchard orchestrated the offense with patience and precision. Sam Hauser continued to punish every defensive mistake with accurate perimeter shooting.
The Pelicans generated offense through Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen, but defensive stops remained difficult to find.
At halftime, Boston held an 82 to 51 lead.
Scoring 82 points in one half against an NBA opponent reflects exceptional offensive execution. Every player understood their role, spacing remained excellent, and shot selection was consistently smart.
Third Quarter: Pelicans Show Fight
Score: Celtics 34, Pelicans 31
The third quarter was New Orleans’ most competitive stretch.
Jeremiah Fears continued his outstanding scoring performance, attacking aggressively in transition and creating offense both inside and outside the paint.
Derik Queen also became more involved, providing efficient scoring around the basket and forcing Boston’s interior defenders to work harder.
Despite the improved effort, Boston never appeared uncomfortable.
Whenever the Pelicans reduced the deficit slightly, the Celtics answered with another timely three pointer or well executed offensive possession.
Winning the quarter by only three points still allowed Boston to maintain complete control entering the final period.
Fourth Quarter: Boston Finishes the Job
Score: Pelicans 36, Celtics 28
With a comfortable lead already established, Boston naturally reduced its intensity compared to the opening half.
The Pelicans continued competing, outscoring the Celtics in the final quarter behind aggressive play from their young core.
Jeremiah Fears continued attacking the rim, while Derik Queen added important baskets inside.
However, the outcome was never seriously threatened.
Boston managed the clock effectively, avoided unnecessary mistakes, and secured a convincing 144 to 118 victory.
Why Boston Won the Game
Several statistical advantages combined to produce one of Boston’s most impressive offensive performances of the season.
Elite Three Point Shooting
The Celtics converted 29 of 59 three point attempts.
Nearly half of their shots from long distance found the basket, stretching New Orleans’ defense beyond its limits.
When a team shoots almost 50 percent from three while taking nearly sixty attempts, it becomes extremely difficult to defend.
Outstanding Ball Movement
Boston recorded 35 assists.
This was not an offense built on isolation basketball.
Instead, the Celtics trusted their system, moving the ball from side to side until an open shooter emerged. Multiple possessions featured several passes before the final shot, illustrating the team’s commitment to sharing the basketball.
Balanced Scoring
Although Sam Hauser led the team with 24 points, Boston had several players contributing significant offense.
Three different Celtics scored at least 20 points, while others added valuable rebounds, assists, and defensive plays.
Balanced scoring prevents opposing defenses from focusing on a single player and keeps the offense unpredictable.
Efficient Shot Selection
Boston finished with 54 percent shooting from the field.
Rather than forcing contested attempts, the Celtics consistently generated open looks through screens, cuts, and quick passing.
This disciplined approach helped maintain offensive efficiency throughout all four quarters.
Why the Pelicans Fell Short
The final score does not mean New Orleans failed to compete. Several positives emerged, but a few critical weaknesses proved costly.
Defensive Rotations Were Too Slow
Boston’s shooters repeatedly found open space around the perimeter.
The Pelicans struggled to recover after defensive switches, allowing the Celtics to create high percentage three point opportunities.
Against one of the NBA’s best shooting teams, even small defensive mistakes quickly become major problems.
Limited Perimeter Success
New Orleans made only 9 of 32 three point attempts.
While Boston added points rapidly from beyond the arc, the Pelicans were unable to keep pace.
The difference of 20 made three pointers represented a 60 point swing from long distance alone.
Too Much Pressure on Jeremiah Fears
Jeremiah Fears delivered an outstanding 36 point performance.
However, Boston’s balanced scoring forced New Orleans to rely heavily on one player for offensive production.
When one team receives meaningful contributions across the roster while the other depends largely on a single scorer, maintaining offensive consistency becomes much more difficult.
Standout Individual Performances
Sam Hauser
Hauser’s 24 points reflected more than accurate shooting.
His movement without the basketball constantly created spacing for teammates. Defenders were forced to stay attached to him, opening driving lanes throughout the game.
Jaylen Brown
Brown combined efficient scoring with veteran leadership.
Rather than dominating possession after possession, he made smart decisions, attacked favorable matchups, and contributed defensively whenever needed.
Payton Pritchard
Pritchard arguably produced the game’s most complete performance.
His 21 points and 10 assists demonstrated both scoring ability and excellent court vision.
He controlled the pace, minimized unnecessary risks, and consistently found teammates in scoring positions.
Jeremiah Fears
Despite the defeat, Fears deserves significant recognition.
Scoring 36 points against one of the NBA’s strongest defensive teams is an impressive achievement.
His confidence, shot creation, and ability to finish through contact provided one of the brightest moments of New Orleans’ performance.
The challenge moving forward will be surrounding such performances with stronger team defense and improved shooting efficiency.
Season Series Recap
The celtics vs new orleans pelicans match player stats become even more meaningful when viewed alongside the full season series. Boston swept New Orleans 2 to 0, winning both meetings by convincing margins and demonstrating superiority on both ends of the floor.
| Game | Date | Result |
| Game 1 | October 28 | Celtics 122, Pelicans 90 |
| Game 2 | April 11 | Celtics 144, Pelicans 118 |
Across both games, the Celtics outscored the Pelicans by a combined 58 points.
The first meeting showcased Boston’s defensive strength, while the second highlighted its offensive firepower. Together, the two contests reflected the depth, versatility, and consistency that helped Boston finish atop the Atlantic Division.
For New Orleans, the season series exposed areas that need improvement, particularly perimeter defense, outside shooting, and offensive balance.
Team Comparison
The box score highlights several key differences between the two teams.
| Category | Boston Celtics | New Orleans Pelicans | Advantage |
| Points | 144 | 118 | Celtics |
| Field Goal Percentage | 54% | 46% | Celtics |
| Three Point Percentage | 49% | 28% | Celtics |
| Free Throw Percentage | 73% | 70% | Celtics |
| Rebounds | 44 | 44 | Even |
| Assists | 35 | 22 | Celtics |
| Steals | 9 | 6 | Celtics |
| Blocks | 5 | 3 | Celtics |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 | Even |
Two categories stand above the rest.
First, Boston’s three point shooting completely changed the game.
Second, the Celtics’ assist total reflects the quality of their offensive system. Thirty five assists show that the offense relied on teamwork instead of individual isolation.
Although rebounding and turnovers were identical, Boston created far more efficient scoring opportunities throughout the game.
Tactical Breakdown
Statistics explain what happened, but tactics explain why it happened.
Boston Controlled Floor Spacing
One of the Celtics’ greatest strengths was their spacing.
With shooters positioned around the perimeter, New Orleans struggled to protect both the paint and the three point line. Whenever defenders collapsed toward the basket, Boston quickly found an open shooter.
This forced the Pelicans into constant defensive rotations, leading to open looks throughout the game.
Quick Ball Movement Created Open Shots
Boston rarely held the basketball for long.
Instead, the offense featured quick decisions, extra passes, and continuous player movement. This style prevented New Orleans from settling into its defensive structure.
The result was a steady stream of uncontested or lightly contested shots.
Defensive Pressure Limited Easy Opportunities
Although the Pelicans scored 118 points, many of those came after Boston had already built a commanding lead.
During the opening half, the Celtics applied strong on ball pressure and communicated effectively on switches.
Their ability to contest shots without giving away easy baskets helped establish the early advantage that ultimately decided the game.
What This Result Means for Boston
This victory improved Boston’s record from 55 and 26 to 56 and 26, securing first place in the Atlantic Division.
More importantly, it demonstrated several encouraging signs ahead of the postseason.
Offensive Depth
Boston did not rely on one player to carry the scoring load.
Multiple players reached double figures, showing that opponents cannot focus on stopping a single offensive threat.
Strong Chemistry
The assist numbers and balanced scoring illustrate excellent team chemistry.
Players trusted one another, shared the basketball, and consistently made the correct decision.
Confidence Heading Into the Playoffs
Entering the playoffs with a dominant offensive performance can provide valuable momentum.
Shooting nearly 50 percent from three point range and recording 35 assists reinforces confidence in Boston’s offensive identity.
What This Result Means for New Orleans
Although the final score was disappointing, there were still positives for the Pelicans.
Jeremiah Fears Continues to Develop
His 36 point performance showed that he can compete against elite opponents.
Developing young players remains one of the organization’s biggest priorities, and this game offered another encouraging example of his potential.
Interior Play Remains Competitive
Josh Oduro collected 12 rebounds, while Derik Queen contributed 25 points.
Those performances indicate that New Orleans has promising talent around the basket.
Areas Needing Improvement
To compete consistently with top teams, the Pelicans must improve in several areas.
- Three point shooting efficiency
- Perimeter defense
- Ball movement under defensive pressure
- Defensive communication during switches
- Transition defense
Addressing these areas would make future matchups significantly more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Celtics vs Pelicans game on April 11, 2026?
The Boston Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 144 to 118 at TD Garden on April 11, 2026.
Who scored the most points in the game?
Jeremiah Fears led all scorers with 36 points for the Pelicans, while Sam Hauser led the Celtics with 24 points.
How many three pointers did the Celtics make?
Boston made 29 of 59 three point attempts, finishing with an impressive 49 percent from beyond the arc.
Who led the Celtics in assists?
Payton Pritchard recorded 10 assists, leading all Celtics players in playmaking.
Did the Celtics win the season series?
Yes. Boston swept the regular season series 2 to 0, winning the first game 122 to 90 and the second game 144 to 118.
Where was the game played?
The game took place at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, with an announced attendance of 19,156.
Conclusion
The celtics vs new orleans pelicans match player stats reveal far more than a one sided final score. Boston combined efficient shooting, disciplined ball movement, balanced scoring, and strong defensive execution to secure a convincing 144 to 118 victory. Making 29 three pointers, recording 35 assists, and shooting 54 percent from the field demonstrated why the Celtics entered the postseason as one of the NBA’s strongest teams.
For New Orleans, the result highlighted both promise and areas for growth. Jeremiah Fears delivered an exceptional 36 point performance, Derik Queen provided reliable interior scoring, and Josh Oduro controlled the boards. However, matching Boston’s offensive efficiency and perimeter defense remains a challenge that the Pelicans will need to address moving forward.