The 1975-1976 Boston Celtics returned to the championship throne after falling in the Conference Finals in the previous year.
Still led by Dave Cowens and John Havlicek, and with Jo Jo White and Charlie Scott playing large roles, the 1975-1976 Celtics finished the regular season 54-28, good enough for the best record in the Eastern Conference and second best in the NBA.
Statistically, the Celtics were led in both scoring and rebounding by Cowens (19.0 ppg and 16.0 rpg), and White led them in assists (5.4 apg). In heart, though, Cowens and Havlicek were the leaders.
Cowens was always known for his incredible passion on a basketball court and his willingness, as an undersized center and power forward, to pursue the basketball off the glass. He was an absolute warrior, and would not let anybody, especially someone from the other team, stop him from doing what he needed to do on a basketball court.
Havlicek was the team’s captain, a guy who’d been through the trenches and played on numerous championship teams and in countless big games. Because of his pedigree, his teammates found it easy to respect him and follow his lead.
In the playoffs, the Celtics beat the Buffalo Braves, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Phoenix Suns to win the organization’s thirteenth championship.
Showing posts with label Boston Celtics Championships. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston Celtics Championships. Show all posts
1958-1959 Boston Celtics: Championship #2
After losing to the Hawks in the 1958 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics came back with a vengeance in the 1958-1959 season.
The Celtics blitzed through the regular season, finishing an NBA-best 52-20 for the season. They pushed the tempo more than ever, running a vaunted fast break that resulted in the Celtics scoring 116.4 points per game, including six players averaging double figures.
K.C. Jones was 1958-1959’s new addition, as the rookie provided valuable minutes from a sixth-man role. Bill Russell led the league in rebounds (23.0 rpg), Bob Cousy led the league in assists (8.6 apg), and the Celtics were officially an NBA juggernaut.
In the 1958-1959 playoffs, the Boston Celtics defeated the St. Louis Hawks four games to three in the Easter Division Finals, then easily swept the Minneapolis Lakers in the finals.
The Celtics blitzed through the regular season, finishing an NBA-best 52-20 for the season. They pushed the tempo more than ever, running a vaunted fast break that resulted in the Celtics scoring 116.4 points per game, including six players averaging double figures.
K.C. Jones was 1958-1959’s new addition, as the rookie provided valuable minutes from a sixth-man role. Bill Russell led the league in rebounds (23.0 rpg), Bob Cousy led the league in assists (8.6 apg), and the Celtics were officially an NBA juggernaut.
In the 1958-1959 playoffs, the Boston Celtics defeated the St. Louis Hawks four games to three in the Easter Division Finals, then easily swept the Minneapolis Lakers in the finals.
1968-1969 Boston Celtics: Championship #11
The 1968-1969 Boston Celtics found themselves in pretty much uncharted territory at the end of the regular season - They were seeded fourth in the Eastern Division heading into the playoffs, with a record of 48-34. While for most teams that would be desirable, the Celtics were accustomed to finishing at the top of the Division, and anything less was a letdown.
The Celtics were an aging crew in 1969. The sun was setting on Bill Russell and Sam Jones’ careers, and the 1968-1969 season would prove to be the last season for both those Celtics legends.
While they were aging, the Celtics did not lack championship mettle. Though they had poor seeding heading into the playoffs, the Celtics had the toughness and experience that winning ten of the previous twelve NBA championships had provided. They went into the playoffs still confident with the belief they would still win the title.
And win it they did. Though the Celtics were old, though they had their worst regular season in years, they somehow won the title. While all the other titles were amazing, the last title of the Russell Era exemplified the term “Celtic Pride”. The Celtics did not win the championship in 1968-1969 because they had the most talented team; instead, they won it because they were winners and because the players were all willing to sacrifice their individual statistics for the good of the team.
They pummeled the Philadelphia 76ers four games to one in the first round, ruining the 76ers 55-27 season. Next, they tore apart the New York Knickerbockers, four games to two, to reach the finals. In the finals, the Celtics prevailed over the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers, four games to three. The Lakers had three of the best players to ever play basketball, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West, but the Celtics still had the best team.
The Celtics were an aging crew in 1969. The sun was setting on Bill Russell and Sam Jones’ careers, and the 1968-1969 season would prove to be the last season for both those Celtics legends.
While they were aging, the Celtics did not lack championship mettle. Though they had poor seeding heading into the playoffs, the Celtics had the toughness and experience that winning ten of the previous twelve NBA championships had provided. They went into the playoffs still confident with the belief they would still win the title.
And win it they did. Though the Celtics were old, though they had their worst regular season in years, they somehow won the title. While all the other titles were amazing, the last title of the Russell Era exemplified the term “Celtic Pride”. The Celtics did not win the championship in 1968-1969 because they had the most talented team; instead, they won it because they were winners and because the players were all willing to sacrifice their individual statistics for the good of the team.
They pummeled the Philadelphia 76ers four games to one in the first round, ruining the 76ers 55-27 season. Next, they tore apart the New York Knickerbockers, four games to two, to reach the finals. In the finals, the Celtics prevailed over the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers, four games to three. The Lakers had three of the best players to ever play basketball, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, and Jerry West, but the Celtics still had the best team.
1965-1966 Boston Celtics: Championship #9
For the first time since Bill Russell was drafted, the 1965-1966 Boston Celtics failed to win the NBA’s Eastern Division. With a final record of 54-26, the Celtics finished second to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Division, meaning they had to play an extra round in the playoffs.
In the first round, the Eastern Division Semifinals, the Boston Celtics matched up against Oscar Robertson and the Cincinnati Royals. The first round was only five games in those days, and the Boston Celtics won a tight series, three games to two. Next, the Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers, the team who had taken over their long-standing hold on the Eastern Division.
Though the 76ers won the Eastern Division in the regular season, the Celtics continued to have their number in the postseason, destroying Wilt Chamberlain and the rest of the 76ers in a quick, five-game series. That earned them the right to play the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA Title, and the 1965-1966 Boston Celtics prevailed, four games to three, to win their eighth straight NBA Championship.
The 1965-1966 season was the dawning of an era in Boston. Red Auerbach, who led the Celtics to eight straight championships and nine overall, called it quits after the campaign. While he would stay in the organization in varying capacities until he passed away on October 28, 2006, the 1965-1966 Boston Celtics would be the last team he ever coached.
For the season, the Celtics had seven players average double figures, continuing the Celtics’ tradition of incredible offensive balance. Winning their eighth championship in a row is an NBA record that will likely never be matched.
In the first round, the Eastern Division Semifinals, the Boston Celtics matched up against Oscar Robertson and the Cincinnati Royals. The first round was only five games in those days, and the Boston Celtics won a tight series, three games to two. Next, the Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers, the team who had taken over their long-standing hold on the Eastern Division.
Though the 76ers won the Eastern Division in the regular season, the Celtics continued to have their number in the postseason, destroying Wilt Chamberlain and the rest of the 76ers in a quick, five-game series. That earned them the right to play the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA Title, and the 1965-1966 Boston Celtics prevailed, four games to three, to win their eighth straight NBA Championship.
The 1965-1966 season was the dawning of an era in Boston. Red Auerbach, who led the Celtics to eight straight championships and nine overall, called it quits after the campaign. While he would stay in the organization in varying capacities until he passed away on October 28, 2006, the 1965-1966 Boston Celtics would be the last team he ever coached.
For the season, the Celtics had seven players average double figures, continuing the Celtics’ tradition of incredible offensive balance. Winning their eighth championship in a row is an NBA record that will likely never be matched.
1963-1964 Boston Celtics: Championship #7
The 1963-1964 Boston Celtics had to adjust to the retirement of their floor general, Bob Cousy. With Cousy’s Boston Celtics’ career over, the team adjusted to a different style of play, and averaged 5 fewer points while playing a far slower pace. Still, the slower Boston Celtics were still the Boston Celtics, and the Celtics won 59 games, compared to 21 losses, in the first season post-Cousy.
K.C. Jones filled Cousy’s giant shoes (figuratively speaking), bringing a solid hand to lead the Celtics. While he was not quite the player Cousy was, Jones was a solid player and, above all, a winner. With Jones manning the point guard position, the Celtics hardly missed a beat.
The 1963-1964 Boston Celtics, despite playing at a slower pace and scoring fewer points, still had five player average double figures (Tom Heinsohn, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Bill Russell and Tom “Satch” Sanders) and another, Willie Naulls, acquired in the offseason from the San Francisco Warriors, averaged 9.8 points.
The 1963-1964 Boston Celtics displayed an aura of dominance in the NBA playoffs, dispatching Oscar Robertson’s Cincinatti Royals in five games in the NBA Eastern Division Playoffs and then dismantling the San Francisco Warriors in another five game series to win the NBA Championship for the sixth straight time.
K.C. Jones filled Cousy’s giant shoes (figuratively speaking), bringing a solid hand to lead the Celtics. While he was not quite the player Cousy was, Jones was a solid player and, above all, a winner. With Jones manning the point guard position, the Celtics hardly missed a beat.
The 1963-1964 Boston Celtics, despite playing at a slower pace and scoring fewer points, still had five player average double figures (Tom Heinsohn, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, Bill Russell and Tom “Satch” Sanders) and another, Willie Naulls, acquired in the offseason from the San Francisco Warriors, averaged 9.8 points.
The 1963-1964 Boston Celtics displayed an aura of dominance in the NBA playoffs, dispatching Oscar Robertson’s Cincinatti Royals in five games in the NBA Eastern Division Playoffs and then dismantling the San Francisco Warriors in another five game series to win the NBA Championship for the sixth straight time.
1985-1986 Boston Celtics: Championship #16
The 1985-1986 Boston Celtics are still considered by some to be the greatest team in NBA history.
Already possessing a terrific frontcourt with Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, the Celtics’ frontcourt got even better with the addition of Bill Walton. Walton, though injury prone, was an incredible passer, a great rebounder, and a good scorer, as well. His talents meshed almost perfectly with the rest of the team, as his selfless play allowed the Celtics to move the ball as crisply as any team in NBA history.
The team was still led, of course, by Larry Bird. Bird won his third straight MVP in 1986, averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game to become just the third player in NBA history to win three straight (the other two were Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell).
Besides the powerful frontcourt (which also included Scott Wedman off the bench), the Celtics also featured Danny Ainge, a deadly shooter and fiery competitor, and Dennis Johnson, a solid player best known for his terrific defense.
In the playoffs, the Celtics dismantled the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks to get to the finals, where they beat the Houston Rockets in six games to win the franchise’s 16th championship.
Already possessing a terrific frontcourt with Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale, the Celtics’ frontcourt got even better with the addition of Bill Walton. Walton, though injury prone, was an incredible passer, a great rebounder, and a good scorer, as well. His talents meshed almost perfectly with the rest of the team, as his selfless play allowed the Celtics to move the ball as crisply as any team in NBA history.
The team was still led, of course, by Larry Bird. Bird won his third straight MVP in 1986, averaging 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game to become just the third player in NBA history to win three straight (the other two were Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell).
Besides the powerful frontcourt (which also included Scott Wedman off the bench), the Celtics also featured Danny Ainge, a deadly shooter and fiery competitor, and Dennis Johnson, a solid player best known for his terrific defense.
In the playoffs, the Celtics dismantled the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks to get to the finals, where they beat the Houston Rockets in six games to win the franchise’s 16th championship.
1973-1974 Boston Celtics: Championship #12
The 1973-1974 Boston Celtics set the bar After Bill Russell and Sam Jones retired, the Celtics had a bit of a championship lull (only by their standards). Tom Heinsohn became the coach, and with Heinsohn coaching and John Havlicek taking the reigns as the team’s star, the Celtics struggled (once again, by their standards) for a few years.
In 1972-1973, the Celtics had the league MVP (Dave Cowens) and the league’s best record in the regular season at a Celtics’ all-time best 68-14, before seeing Havlicek get hurt in the playoffs and championship hopes go down the drain.
In ’73-’74, the Celtics again featured Havlicek and Cowens as the stars, and surrounded them with a great supporting cast consisting of Jo Jo White, Paul Silas, Don Nelson, Don Chaney, and a young Paul Westphal.
The Celtics finished best in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, with a 56-26 record. They placed six players in double digit scoring, and were known for their tenacity down low, provided by Silas and Cowens.
They would go on to defeat the Buffalo Braves, New York Kickerbockers and Milwaukee Bucks to become NBA champions, dispatching the Bucks in a tightly-contested seven-game series.
In 1972-1973, the Celtics had the league MVP (Dave Cowens) and the league’s best record in the regular season at a Celtics’ all-time best 68-14, before seeing Havlicek get hurt in the playoffs and championship hopes go down the drain.
In ’73-’74, the Celtics again featured Havlicek and Cowens as the stars, and surrounded them with a great supporting cast consisting of Jo Jo White, Paul Silas, Don Nelson, Don Chaney, and a young Paul Westphal.
The Celtics finished best in the Eastern Conference during the regular season, with a 56-26 record. They placed six players in double digit scoring, and were known for their tenacity down low, provided by Silas and Cowens.
They would go on to defeat the Buffalo Braves, New York Kickerbockers and Milwaukee Bucks to become NBA champions, dispatching the Bucks in a tightly-contested seven-game series.
1961-1962 Boston Celtics: Championship #5
The 1961-1962 Boston Celtics were known as the best defensive team in the league. In an era defined by quick shots, porous defense and extremely fast pace, the Celtics held teams to and NBA-low 111.9 points per game while averaging 121.1 ppg themselves.
On their way to the first 60-win season in franchise history (their final regular season record was 60-20), the 1961-1962 Boston Celtics emphasized team play and a team-wide selfless attitude.
Sam Jones cracked the starting five in 1961-1962, along with Frank Ramsey, Bob Cousy , Tom Heinsohn and Bill Russell. All the starters averaged at least 15 points per game, and Tom “Satch” Sanders came off the bench to average 11.3 points.
Bill Russell was once again named the MVP, averaging 18.9 points and 23.6 rebounds per game. Despite the gaudy numbers, Russell was named MVP more for the effect he had on his teammates. His great defense, outstanding rebounding and unselfish play lifted his teammates and allowed the team to be greater than the sum of its parts.
In the 1961-1962 playoffs, the Boston Celtics struggled past Wilt Chamberlain’s Philadelphia Warriors, four games to three, and met the recently relocated Los Angeles Lakers (previously located in Minneapolis). Against the Lakers, the 1961-1962 Boston Celtics prevailed in a hotly contested series, winning four games to three and giving the organization its fourth straight NBA championship.
On their way to the first 60-win season in franchise history (their final regular season record was 60-20), the 1961-1962 Boston Celtics emphasized team play and a team-wide selfless attitude.
Sam Jones cracked the starting five in 1961-1962, along with Frank Ramsey, Bob Cousy , Tom Heinsohn and Bill Russell. All the starters averaged at least 15 points per game, and Tom “Satch” Sanders came off the bench to average 11.3 points.
Bill Russell was once again named the MVP, averaging 18.9 points and 23.6 rebounds per game. Despite the gaudy numbers, Russell was named MVP more for the effect he had on his teammates. His great defense, outstanding rebounding and unselfish play lifted his teammates and allowed the team to be greater than the sum of its parts.
In the 1961-1962 playoffs, the Boston Celtics struggled past Wilt Chamberlain’s Philadelphia Warriors, four games to three, and met the recently relocated Los Angeles Lakers (previously located in Minneapolis). Against the Lakers, the 1961-1962 Boston Celtics prevailed in a hotly contested series, winning four games to three and giving the organization its fourth straight NBA championship.
1980-1981 Boston Celtics: Championship #14
The 1980-1981 Boston Celtics were a young, talented group led by the talented frontcourt duo of Larry Bird and Robert Parish. Bird was in only his second year, after his rookie year had ended in the biggest single-season turnaround in NBA history (a record later beaten by the 2007-2008 Celtics), but he was already one of the NBA’s best players. Parish, a fifth-year center, was a consistent player, both offensively and defensively.
Bird and Parish were aided by the play of Cedric Maxwell, Nate “Tiny” Archibald and Kevin McHale, a young rookie out of the University of Minnesota, all of whom averaged double figures in points.
The team finished the regular season with a 62-20 record, and went into the playoffs as the #1 seed. After getting a first-round bye, the Celtics swept the Chicago Bulls in the second round, four games to zero.
That set up a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, who had pummeled the Celtics in only five games the year before. This time, though, the Celtics got the best of Julius Erving and the 76ers, winning in seven games. That victory sent the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they beat the Houston Rockets in six games for the franchise’s 14th championship.
Bird and Parish were aided by the play of Cedric Maxwell, Nate “Tiny” Archibald and Kevin McHale, a young rookie out of the University of Minnesota, all of whom averaged double figures in points.
The team finished the regular season with a 62-20 record, and went into the playoffs as the #1 seed. After getting a first-round bye, the Celtics swept the Chicago Bulls in the second round, four games to zero.
That set up a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, who had pummeled the Celtics in only five games the year before. This time, though, the Celtics got the best of Julius Erving and the 76ers, winning in seven games. That victory sent the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they beat the Houston Rockets in six games for the franchise’s 14th championship.
1962-1963 Boston Celtics: Championship #6
The 1962-1963 Boston Celtics went 58-22 on their way to the franchise’s fifth straight championship season. For the season, the Celtics outscored their opponents by an average 7.2 points per game, scoring 118.8 themselves while allowing 111.6 for the other teams.
A young rookie from Ohio State named John Havlicek cracked the starting lineup in place of the aging Frank Ramsey, joining Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Sam Jones and Bill Russell. Ramsey and Tom “Satch” Sanders came off the bench to provide double-digit scoring and solid minutes, giving the 1962-1962 Boston Celtics seven players in double digit scoring.
In 1962-1963, Bill Russell won his third straight NBA MVP, averaging 16.8 points and 23.6 rebounds. Showing the great balance and talent the Celtics possessed, Russell won the MVP as only the team’s third leading scorer. He provided everything else the 1962-1963 Boston Celtics needed, from shot-blocking to rebounding to outlet passes to even assists.
The 1962-1963 season also marks Bob Cousy’s last season with the Celtics. He would later return to play seven games as the Cincinatti Royals’ player-coach, but he will forever remain a Celtic in the eyes of Boston fans. During his last campaign with the Boston Celtics, the 34 year-old Cousy averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 assists, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
In the playoffs, the 1962-1963 Celtics once again struggled in the Eastern Conference Finals, barely edging Oscar Robertson’s Cincinnati Royals in seven games. In the Finals, playing against the Los Angeles Lakers, the 1962-1963 Boston Celtics prevailed against a very talented Lakers team starring Elgin Baylor and Jerry West for their fifth straight NBA title.
A young rookie from Ohio State named John Havlicek cracked the starting lineup in place of the aging Frank Ramsey, joining Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, Sam Jones and Bill Russell. Ramsey and Tom “Satch” Sanders came off the bench to provide double-digit scoring and solid minutes, giving the 1962-1962 Boston Celtics seven players in double digit scoring.
In 1962-1963, Bill Russell won his third straight NBA MVP, averaging 16.8 points and 23.6 rebounds. Showing the great balance and talent the Celtics possessed, Russell won the MVP as only the team’s third leading scorer. He provided everything else the 1962-1963 Boston Celtics needed, from shot-blocking to rebounding to outlet passes to even assists.
The 1962-1963 season also marks Bob Cousy’s last season with the Celtics. He would later return to play seven games as the Cincinatti Royals’ player-coach, but he will forever remain a Celtic in the eyes of Boston fans. During his last campaign with the Boston Celtics, the 34 year-old Cousy averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 assists, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
In the playoffs, the 1962-1963 Celtics once again struggled in the Eastern Conference Finals, barely edging Oscar Robertson’s Cincinnati Royals in seven games. In the Finals, playing against the Los Angeles Lakers, the 1962-1963 Boston Celtics prevailed against a very talented Lakers team starring Elgin Baylor and Jerry West for their fifth straight NBA title.
1959-1960 Boston Celtics: Championship #3
The 1959-1960 Boston Celtics were the first Celtics team to repeat as NBA champions, but far from the last. Playing a fast-paced, run-and-gun style, the athletic Celtics averaged 124.5 ppg on their way to an outstanding 59-16 record.
The 1959-1960 Boston Celtics were led in scoring by Tom Heinsohn (21.7 ppg), rebounding by Bill Russell (24.0 rpg), and assists by Bob Cousy (9.5 apg).
The 1959-1960 Celtics team will also be known for dispatching Wilt Chamberlain from the playoffs. Wilt, or “The Big Dipper”, won the league’s MVP trophy that year in addition to being named its Rookie of the Year. Despite all his individual accolades, Wilt never quite had the team success as Russell did, bowing out of the playoffs to Russell’s Celtics on several occasions. In 1959-1960, the Boston Celtics dispatched Wilt in the playoffs for the first time, marking the beginning of an exciting rivalry between the league’s two premier centers, Russell and Chamberlain.
After beating Wilt’s Philadelphia Warriors in the Eastern Division Finals, four games to two, the Celtics won a tightly-contested seven game series over the St. Louis Hawks.
The 1959-1960 Boston Celtics were led in scoring by Tom Heinsohn (21.7 ppg), rebounding by Bill Russell (24.0 rpg), and assists by Bob Cousy (9.5 apg).
The 1959-1960 Celtics team will also be known for dispatching Wilt Chamberlain from the playoffs. Wilt, or “The Big Dipper”, won the league’s MVP trophy that year in addition to being named its Rookie of the Year. Despite all his individual accolades, Wilt never quite had the team success as Russell did, bowing out of the playoffs to Russell’s Celtics on several occasions. In 1959-1960, the Boston Celtics dispatched Wilt in the playoffs for the first time, marking the beginning of an exciting rivalry between the league’s two premier centers, Russell and Chamberlain.
After beating Wilt’s Philadelphia Warriors in the Eastern Division Finals, four games to two, the Celtics won a tightly-contested seven game series over the St. Louis Hawks.
1964-1965 Boston Celtics: Championship #8
The 1964-1965 Boston Celtics continued their stretch of dominance, winning an unprecedented seventh straight NBA title. The Celtics finished with a final record of 62-18, what was, at the time, a Boston Celtics franchise record for single-season wins.
Sam Jones led the way in scoring, averaging a career-best 25.9 points, but it was Bill Russell, averaging only 14.1 points (but leading the league with 24.1 rebounds per game), who was the NBA MVP for the fourth time.
The 1964-1965 Boston Celtics had amazing scoring balance, with six players (Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, Tom “Satch” Sanders, and Willie Naulls) averaging double figure points per game and another three (K.C. Jones, Ron Bonham, and Larry Siegfried) all averaging at least six.
In a little-known fact, the Boston Celtics had a young rookie named John Thompson, Jr. While Thompson never amounted to much as a player (he played two seasons for the Celtics, averaging 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game), Thompson would go onto coaching fame, leading the Georgetown Hoyas to their best seasons ever.
The 1964-1965 season also marked the end of Tom Heinsohn’s storied career. The shoot-first player won eight championships in his nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, and could always fill it up.
The 1964-1965 Boston Celtics continued to be a thorn in Wilt Chamberlain’s side, beating his Philadelphia 76ers four games to three in the Eastern Division Finals. After defeating the 76ers, the Celtics played the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals and prevailed in five games, 4-1.
Sam Jones led the way in scoring, averaging a career-best 25.9 points, but it was Bill Russell, averaging only 14.1 points (but leading the league with 24.1 rebounds per game), who was the NBA MVP for the fourth time.
The 1964-1965 Boston Celtics had amazing scoring balance, with six players (Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Bill Russell, Tom Heinsohn, Tom “Satch” Sanders, and Willie Naulls) averaging double figure points per game and another three (K.C. Jones, Ron Bonham, and Larry Siegfried) all averaging at least six.
In a little-known fact, the Boston Celtics had a young rookie named John Thompson, Jr. While Thompson never amounted to much as a player (he played two seasons for the Celtics, averaging 3.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game), Thompson would go onto coaching fame, leading the Georgetown Hoyas to their best seasons ever.
The 1964-1965 season also marked the end of Tom Heinsohn’s storied career. The shoot-first player won eight championships in his nine seasons with the Boston Celtics, and could always fill it up.
The 1964-1965 Boston Celtics continued to be a thorn in Wilt Chamberlain’s side, beating his Philadelphia 76ers four games to three in the Eastern Division Finals. After defeating the 76ers, the Celtics played the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals and prevailed in five games, 4-1.
1960-1961 Boston Celtics: Championship #4
The 1960-1961 Boston Celtics won 57 games, compared to 22 losses, to finish first in the NBA’s Eastern Division. They played at a breakneck pace, averaging 119.7 points per game and winning their third straight NBA championship.
Led by the starting five of Bob Cousy , Bill Sharman, Tom Heinsohn, Frank Ramsey and Bill Russell , the 1960-1961 Celtics had six players average at least 15 ppg (Sam Jones was the other). They were known for their balanced scoring attack, fast break, and vaunted interior defense.
In the 1960-1961 playoffs, the Boston Celtics handily beat the Syracuse Nationals in the Eastern Division Finals to earn the right to play the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals. Once again, the Celtics demonstrated their superiority, winning the Finals’ series 4-1.
1960-1961 also marked Bill Russell’s first MVP season. The award was clearly attributed to the ability he had to raise his teammates play and win basketball games, as Wilt Chamberlain had better statistics more or less all the way across the board, except the one stat that mattered the most: championships - Russell and the 1960-1961 Celtics won their third straight NBA title.
Led by the starting five of Bob Cousy , Bill Sharman, Tom Heinsohn, Frank Ramsey and Bill Russell , the 1960-1961 Celtics had six players average at least 15 ppg (Sam Jones was the other). They were known for their balanced scoring attack, fast break, and vaunted interior defense.
In the 1960-1961 playoffs, the Boston Celtics handily beat the Syracuse Nationals in the Eastern Division Finals to earn the right to play the St. Louis Hawks in the NBA Finals. Once again, the Celtics demonstrated their superiority, winning the Finals’ series 4-1.
1960-1961 also marked Bill Russell’s first MVP season. The award was clearly attributed to the ability he had to raise his teammates play and win basketball games, as Wilt Chamberlain had better statistics more or less all the way across the board, except the one stat that mattered the most: championships - Russell and the 1960-1961 Celtics won their third straight NBA title.
1956-1957 Boston Celtics: Championship #1
For the Boston Celtics, the 1956-1957 team will forever mark the beginning of a dynasty and the commencement of the journey towards being regarded as basketball’s most prestigious organization.
The previous season, the Celtics, led by Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman and Ed Macauley, had advanced to the Eastern Division Semifinals, losing to the Syracuse Nationals, two games to one. That team had been a talented bunch, but coach Red Auerbach knew they needed to switch up their roster in order to become NBA champions.
That offseason, Red pulled the trigger on a trade for the second draft pick, sending Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan to the Hawks. The Celtics then used that pick to select young Bill Russell, stud center for the University of San Francisco.
With Russell onboard, the Celtics were immediately transformed into a championship caliber team. Russell only played the second half of the season after competing in the Olympics, but he made a tremendous impact on the Celtics. With Cousy (the 1957 NBA MVP) running the show, Russell manning the inside, and Tom Heinsohn (the Rookie of the Year) and Bill Sharman providing the bulk of the points, the Celtics proved to be the best team in basketball. They finished the regular season 44-28 (first in the Eastern Division), and went on to defeat the Hawks in the NBA Finals, four games to three.
The previous season, the Celtics, led by Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman and Ed Macauley, had advanced to the Eastern Division Semifinals, losing to the Syracuse Nationals, two games to one. That team had been a talented bunch, but coach Red Auerbach knew they needed to switch up their roster in order to become NBA champions.
That offseason, Red pulled the trigger on a trade for the second draft pick, sending Ed Macauley and Cliff Hagan to the Hawks. The Celtics then used that pick to select young Bill Russell, stud center for the University of San Francisco.
With Russell onboard, the Celtics were immediately transformed into a championship caliber team. Russell only played the second half of the season after competing in the Olympics, but he made a tremendous impact on the Celtics. With Cousy (the 1957 NBA MVP) running the show, Russell manning the inside, and Tom Heinsohn (the Rookie of the Year) and Bill Sharman providing the bulk of the points, the Celtics proved to be the best team in basketball. They finished the regular season 44-28 (first in the Eastern Division), and went on to defeat the Hawks in the NBA Finals, four games to three.
1967-1968 Boston Celtics: Championship #10
The 1967-1968 Boston Celtics restored the Celtics to the glory days. After a one-year hiatus following their eight-year run as NBA champion, the Boston Celtics once again returned to their perch on top of the NBA.
With Bill Russell functioning as a player-coach, the 1967-1968 Boston Celtics, for the second time in a row, failed to win the NBA’s Eastern Division, but did not let that slow them down in the playoffs. They beat the Pistons in the Eastern Division semifinals and ran into Wilt Chamberlain and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Eastern Division Regular Season Champions, in the Eastern Division Finals.
The Celtics were once again a thorn in Chamberlain’s side, triumphing over the dominant center and his 76ers, four games to three, and faced their familiar foe the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Championship. Six games later, the Boston Celtics escaped with a four games to two series victory and were NBA Champions for the tenth time.
For the year, the Celtics were led once again by Bill Russell, John Havlicek and Sam Jones, and they were joined by a forward acquired from Detroit, Bailey Howell. Along with those four, three other players, Larry Siegfried, Tom “Satch” Sanders, and Don Nelson, also scored in double figures for the season.
With Bill Russell functioning as a player-coach, the 1967-1968 Boston Celtics, for the second time in a row, failed to win the NBA’s Eastern Division, but did not let that slow them down in the playoffs. They beat the Pistons in the Eastern Division semifinals and ran into Wilt Chamberlain and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Eastern Division Regular Season Champions, in the Eastern Division Finals.
The Celtics were once again a thorn in Chamberlain’s side, triumphing over the dominant center and his 76ers, four games to three, and faced their familiar foe the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Championship. Six games later, the Boston Celtics escaped with a four games to two series victory and were NBA Champions for the tenth time.
For the year, the Celtics were led once again by Bill Russell, John Havlicek and Sam Jones, and they were joined by a forward acquired from Detroit, Bailey Howell. Along with those four, three other players, Larry Siegfried, Tom “Satch” Sanders, and Don Nelson, also scored in double figures for the season.
2007-2008 Boston Celtics: Championship #17
After a 21-year championship dry spell, the 2007-2008 Boston Celtics returned the franchise to glory. A year after one of the worst seasons in Celtics’ history, a miserable 24-58 season featuring a 19-game losing streak, the Celtics added Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, James Posey and Eddie House to a team that already starred Paul Pierce.
The Celtics started Rajon Rondo, Pierce, Ray Allen, Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, and led the league in most defensive categories on their way to a 66-16 season. Defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau joined head coach Doc Rivers’ staff, and the addition of Thibodeau and Garnett, the Defensive Player of the Year changed the Celtics from a porous defensive team to the NBA’s best, most cohesive unit.
Normally, an NBA team has to go through a growing process, losing in the playoffs a couple years before gaining the experience to finally win an NBA championship. The 2007-2008 Celtics, though, took their lumps and gained their experience in two grueling seven-game series to start the NBA playoffs.
By the time the Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons, they were a seasoned postseason team due to their tough series’ against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics beat the Pistons in six games, setting up a revival of the Celtics’ decades-old rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the Finals, the Celtics overcame the favored Lakers in six games, including a Game 4 comeback from a 24-point second-half deficit that was the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history. Restoring Boston to the glory days, the 2007-2008 Celtics won the franchise’s 17th championship.
The Celtics started Rajon Rondo, Pierce, Ray Allen, Garnett and Kendrick Perkins, and led the league in most defensive categories on their way to a 66-16 season. Defensive mastermind Tom Thibodeau joined head coach Doc Rivers’ staff, and the addition of Thibodeau and Garnett, the Defensive Player of the Year changed the Celtics from a porous defensive team to the NBA’s best, most cohesive unit.
Normally, an NBA team has to go through a growing process, losing in the playoffs a couple years before gaining the experience to finally win an NBA championship. The 2007-2008 Celtics, though, took their lumps and gained their experience in two grueling seven-game series to start the NBA playoffs.
By the time the Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Detroit Pistons, they were a seasoned postseason team due to their tough series’ against the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Celtics beat the Pistons in six games, setting up a revival of the Celtics’ decades-old rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers.
In the Finals, the Celtics overcame the favored Lakers in six games, including a Game 4 comeback from a 24-point second-half deficit that was the greatest comeback in NBA Finals history. Restoring Boston to the glory days, the 2007-2008 Celtics won the franchise’s 17th championship.
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