Table of Contents
Boston Celtics
Founded in 1946
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)
First Game Victory
The Celtics played their first-ever game on November 2, 1946, defeating the Providence Steamrollers 59-53.2)
The Shamrock Logo
The iconic shamrock logo and green-and-white color scheme were inspired by Boston’s strong Irish heritage.3)
Most NBA Titles (Until 2020s)
The Celtics held the record for most NBA championships (17) until the Los Angeles Lakers tied them in 2020.4)
Unmatched Dominance in the 1960s
Boston won 11 championships in 13 seasons from 1957 to 1969, a feat unmatched in any professional sport.5)
Eight Straight Titles
The team won an unprecedented eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966.6)
The First NBA Dynasty
With legends like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek, the Celtics were the first true dynasty in NBA history.7)
Bill Russell’s 11 Rings
Bill Russell, the greatest defensive player in NBA history, won 11 championships with the Celtics, the most by any player.8)
Larry Bird’s Rivalry with Magic
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson had one of the most famous rivalries in sports, revitalizing the NBA in the 1980s.9)
Paul Pierce’s Loyalty
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 Impact
Kevin Garnett’s arrival in 2007 helped the Celtics win their first championship in 22 years.11)
Bob Cousy: The Original Playmaker
Cousy revolutionized point guard play with his flashy passing and six NBA titles.12)
John Havlicek’s Legendary Steal
“Havlicek stole the ball!” is one of the most famous calls in NBA history from the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals.13)
Ray Allen’s Three-Point Mastery
Ray Allen was a key part of the 2008 championship team and became one of the greatest shooters in history.14)
Red Auerbach’s Legacy
Legendary coach and GM Red Auerbach won nine titles as a coach and built the Celtics dynasty.15)
The Cigar Celebration
Auerbach would light a cigar whenever the Celtics secured a victory, a tradition still associated with the team.16)
Bill Russell as Player-Coach
In 1966, Russell became the NBA’s first Black head coach while still playing for the team.17)
Doc Rivers’ 2008 Championship
Rivers coached the Celtics to their 17th title, defeating the Lakers in the NBA Finals.18)
Brad Stevens’ Impact
Though he never won a title, Stevens brought the Celtics back to contention with strong leadership from 2013-2021.19)
Celtics vs. Lakers Feud
The Celtics and Lakers rivalry is the most famous in NBA history, with multiple Finals matchups.20)
Battles with the Philadelphia 76ers
The Celtics and Sixers have a fierce rivalry dating back to the Wilt Chamberlain-Bill Russell days.21)
Detroit Pistons Wars of the 1980s
The Celtics and Pistons had intense matchups in the 1980s, especially against the “Bad Boys” Pistons.22)
TD Garden: The Current Home
Since 1995, the Celtics have played at TD Garden, one of the NBA’s most iconic arenas.23)
Boston Garden’s Mystique
Before TD Garden, the team played in the legendary Boston Garden, known for its raucous atmosphere and parquet floor.24)
The Famous Parquet Floor
The Celtics' unique parquet floor design is a historic symbol of the franchise.25)
One of the Most Loyal Fan Bases
Celtics fans are known for their intense passion and loyalty to the team.26)
Record Home Winning Streak
The Celtics once held an 18-game home winning streak in a single season.27)
1986 Celtics: One of the Greatest Teams
The 1985-86 Celtics, led by Larry Bird, are often considered one of the greatest teams ever.28)
The 2008 Big Three Era
Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen formed a legendary trio, winning the NBA title in 2008.29)
2010 Game 7 Heartbreak
The Celtics lost to the Lakers in a hard-fought Game 7 in the 2010 NBA Finals.30)
Isaiah Thomas’ Emotional Playoff Run
In 2017, Isaiah Thomas played through personal tragedy and led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.31)
Jayson Tatum’s 50-Point Game
Tatum set a career-high 50 points in a 2021 playoff game against the Brooklyn Nets.32)
Most Wins in a Regular Season
The 2007-08 Celtics won 66 games, one of the best records in NBA history.33)
Boston Holds the Most NBA Finals Appearances in the East
The Celtics have made more NBA Finals appearances than any other Eastern Conference team.34)
Most Retired Jersey Numbers
The Celtics have retired 24 numbers, the most of any team in the NBA.35)
Holds Record for Most Game 7 Wins
The Celtics have the best Game 7 record in NBA history.36)
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s Rise
The young duo has become the new faces of the Celtics in the 2020s.37)
Marcus Smart’s Defensive Prowess
Smart won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022, the first guard to do so in over 25 years.38)
Boston’s Deep Playoff Runs
Since 2017, the Celtics have consistently been Eastern Conference contenders.39)
First Team to Draft a Black Player
The Celtics made history by drafting Chuck Cooper in 1950, breaking racial barriers in the NBA.40)
One of the NBA’s Most Valuable Franchises
The Celtics are consistently ranked among the most valuable NBA teams.41)
The Shamrock Foundation
The Celtics run a foundation that supports community programs in Boston.42)
The Only Team with a Named Award
The NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP trophy is named after Larry Bird.43)
Boston Sports Legacy
Along with the Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins, the Celtics form Boston’s dominant sports culture.44)
Green and White Tradition
The Celtics have never changed their signature green and white team colors.45)