The Boston Celtics were established on June 6, 1946, as part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the NBA.1)
The Celtics played their first-ever game on November 2, 1946, defeating the Providence Steamrollers 59-53.2)
The iconic shamrock logo and green-and-white color scheme were inspired by Boston’s strong Irish heritage.3)
The Celtics held the record for most NBA championships (17) until the Los Angeles Lakers tied them in 2020.4)
Boston won 11 championships in 13 seasons from 1957 to 1969, a feat unmatched in any professional sport.5)
The team won an unprecedented eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.6)
With legends like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek, the Celtics were the first true dynasty in NBA history.7)
Bill Russell, the greatest defensive player in NBA history, won 11 championships with the Celtics, the most by any player.8)
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most famous rivalries in sports, revitalizing the NBA in the 1980s.9)
Paul Pierce played 15 seasons with the Celtics, leading them to a title in 2008 and earning the nickname “The Truth.”10)
Kevin Garnett’s arrival in 2007 helped the Celtics win their first championship in 22 years.11)
Cousy revolutionized point guard play with his flashy passing and six NBA titles.12)
“Havlicek stole the ball!” is one of the most famous calls in NBA history from the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals.13)
Ray Allen was a key part of the 2008 championship team and became one of the greatest shooters in history.14)
Legendary coach and GM Red Auerbach won nine titles as a coach and built the Celtics dynasty.15)
Auerbach would light a cigar whenever the Celtics secured a victory, a tradition still associated with the team.16)
In 1966, Russell became the NBA’s first Black head coach while still playing for the team.17)
Rivers coached the Celtics to their 17th title, defeating the Lakers in the NBA Finals.18)
Though he never won a title, Stevens brought the Celtics back to contention with strong leadership from 2013-2021.19)
The Celtics and Lakers rivalry is the most famous in NBA history, with multiple Finals matchups.20)
The Celtics and Sixers have a fierce rivalry dating back to the Wilt Chamberlain-Bill Russell days.21)
The Celtics and Pistons had intense matchups in the 1980s, especially against the “Bad Boys” Pistons.22)
Since 1995, the Celtics have played at TD Garden, one of the NBA’s most iconic arenas.23)
Before TD Garden, the team played in the legendary Boston Garden, known for its raucous atmosphere and parquet floor.24)
The Celtics' unique parquet floor design is a historic symbol of the franchise.25)
Celtics fans are known for their intense passion and loyalty to the team.26)
The Celtics once held an 18-game home winning streak in a single season.27)
The 1985-86 Celtics, led by Larry Bird, are often considered one of the greatest teams ever.28)
Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen formed a legendary trio, winning the NBA title in 2008.29)
The Celtics lost to the Lakers in a hard-fought Game 7 in the 2010 NBA Finals.30)
In 2017, Isaiah Thomas played through personal tragedy and led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.31)
Tatum set a career-high 50 points in a 2021 playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets.32)
The 2007-08 Celtics won 66 games, one of the best records in NBA history.33)
The Celtics have made more NBA Finals appearances than any other Eastern Conference team.34)
The Celtics have retired 24 numbers, the most of any team in the NBA.35)
The Celtics have the best Game 7 record in NBA history.36)
The young duo has become the new faces of the Celtics in the 2020s.37)
Smart won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, the first guard to do so in over 25 years.38)
Since 2017, the Celtics have consistently been Eastern Conference contenders.39)
The Celtics made history by drafting Chuck Cooper in 1950, breaking racial barriers in the NBA.40)
The Celtics are consistently ranked among the most valuable NBA teams.41)
The Celtics run a foundation that supports community programs in Boston.42)
The NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy is named after Larry Bird.43)
Along with the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins, the Celtics form Boston’s dominant sports culture.44)
The Celtics have never changed their signature green and white team colors.45)