Celtics set new NBA record in comeback win over Pistons

The Celtics continued their winning streak on Saturday night with a hard fought victory over the Pistons in Detroit and managed to make a little bit of NBA history in the process.

The visitors were red-hot out of the gate yet again, posting 42 points in the first quarter, their third consecutive game clearing 30 points in the first quarter. The team’s fast scoring starts in the opening week of the year have put them in the NBA record books when it comes to first quarter scoring output.

According to C’s stat guru Dick Lipe, the Celtics have now scored the most first quarter points through three games in NBA history with 118 points total. Boston is averaging 39.3 points so far in those contests over the opening period.

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That total puts the Celtics ahead of the 1991-92 Warriors (114 points) and 2013-14 Timberwolves (112 points) for most first quarter points scored in the first three games of the regular season.

The Celtics incredible scoring pace did not last much beyond the first quarter on Saturday night as Boston blew a 23-point first half lead against the Pistons before rallying late for a 124-118 win. The Celtics shot just 35.9 percent in the second half, scoring just 51 points, nine above their first quarter output.

The Celtics currently have the highest scoring efficiency in the league through the opening week of the year and currently sit as one of the three remaining undefeated teams in the Eastern Conference. Boston’s hot starts will be put to test again on Monday night when the Milwaukee Bucks come to TD Garden.