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⁾