NBA Resting Starters Influences Seeding As Celtics Tie 29 3-Pointers And Hawks Clinch Southeast

Second units stole the spotlight across the NBA as the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks all posted key late-season wins, with Denver extending a long streak, Boston matching a 3-point record and Atlanta sealing the Southeast Division and a guaranteed playoff berth.

On a night when coaches protected stars and focused on seeding, reserves and role players produced standout numbers. Jonas Valanciunas powered Denver on the road, Hugo Gonzalez helped Boston tie an NBA 3-point mark and CJ McCollum led Atlanta to a division-clinching victory over a settled Cleveland Cavaliers side.

Denver moved to 53-28 with a 127-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, recording an 11th straight win while again resting the full starting lineup. The result guaranteed at least the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference and kept Denver in contention for No. 3, holding a one-game edge over the Los Angeles Lakers before the Lakers hosted the Phoenix Suns.

Valanciunas delivered season-best figures of 23 points and 17 rebounds as Denver’s backups controlled the contest late. Julian Strawther added 22 points and David Roddy produced a season-high 21. A 21-5 surge to open the fourth quarter created decisive separation, reflecting Denver’s choice to prioritise rest before the regular-season finale at San Antonio on Sunday night.

Oklahoma City had already secured the league’s best overall record on Wednesday and also rotated heavily. Lu Dort, the only regular starter to feature for the Thunder, finished with five points. Coach Mark Daigneault explained the decision by noting Dort must log at least 20 minutes in both remaining games to stay eligible for season awards, so Dort remained in the rotation despite widespread rest.

The Celtics defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118 at TD Garden, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference while matching both an NBA and franchise record with 29 made 3-pointers. That total equalled Boston’s haul from 22 October 2024 against the New York Knicks, and matched performances from the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks in previous seasons.

Hugo Gonzalez connected on the team’s 29th triple with 1:20 remaining, prompting the home crowd to chant, "One more three!" as fans stood in anticipation. Boston then had three late attempts to set a new mark. Luka Garza declined an open 3-pointer to drive for a dunk, before Baylor Scheierman missed from the wing and coach Joe Mazzulla finally instructed the team to dribble out the clock, accepting a shot-clock violation with one second left.

Eight Boston players hit at least two 3-pointers, underlining the spread offense. Centre Neemias Queta made the first 3-pointer of a professional career and collected 10 rebounds, triggering a loud reaction from teammates on the bench. The Grizzlies’ record came on 6 April against Cleveland, while Milwaukee’s 29 triples arrived at Miami on 29 December 2020, leaving the three franchises sharing the league high.

Atlanta Hawks clinch Southeast Division and NBA playoff spot

Atlanta’s 124-102 win over the Cavaliers ensured the Hawks claimed the Southeast Division title and a confirmed playoff place, avoiding the play-in tournament after four straight seasons in that route. It marked their first division crown since 2021, the season that ended with a run to the Eastern Conference finals, and extended a strong closing stretch at home.

CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 29 points, sparking a dominant third quarter that broke open the game. Dyson Daniels contributed 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the second triple-double of a career, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson each scored 18, with Johnson also grabbing nine rebounds before sitting out the final 10 minutes.

The Cavaliers, already fixed in the No. 4 seed in the East, relied on James Harden, who scored 20 points. Jaylon Tyson returned to the starting lineup after missing 10 games and added 15 points. Atlanta have now taken 14 of their last 15 home fixtures, building momentum for the postseason after locking up the Southeast Division ahead of the final regular-season schedule.

Across three arenas, Denver, Boston and Atlanta met different late-season targets, from streak protection and rotation management to record chasing and division success. Each result shaped the playoff bracket, with Denver and Boston confirming seeding positions and Atlanta finishing a late charge, while Oklahoma City and Cleveland used secured spots to rest regular lineups.