Who are the Celtics?

The Boston Celtics are a prestigious NBA basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and are one of the most successful franchises in sports history. Competing in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, the Celtics were founded in 1946 as one of the league's original teams. With 18 NBA championships, they hold the record for the most titles in NBA history. They play their home games at TD Garden, sharing the venue with the NHL's Boston Bruins.

The Celtics' dominance began in the late 1950s under coach Red Auerbach with the acquisition of Bill Russell. This era saw the team win eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966. The Celtics' dynasty continued through the 1970s and 1980s, with stars like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish leading them to multiple titles.

In the 2000s, a new "Big Three" formed with Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, capturing another title in 2008. More recently, the Celtics have continued their legacy with stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, clinching their 18th championship in 2024.

The Celtics have a fierce rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom they’ve faced off 12 times in the NBA Finals, winning nine of those matchups. With a legacy of Hall of Fame players and MVP winners, including Bill Russell, Larry Bird, and Bob Cousy, the Celtics are a true symbol of basketball excellence.

 

The Celtics History

Early Years (1946-1950): The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 and became part of the NBA in 1949. In 1950, they made history by signing Chuck Cooper, the first black player in the NBA.

1950-1958: Under coach Red Auerbach, the Celtics drafted Bill Russell and Tom Heinsohn, building a championship team. They won their first NBA title in 1957.

1958-1969: The Celtics' dynasty began with Bill Russell leading the team to 11 titles in 13 seasons. The team won 8 consecutive championships from 1959-1966.

1969-1978: After Russell's retirement, the Celtics went through rebuilding. They won two NBA titles in the 1970s, thanks to stars like Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White.

1979-1992: The Larry Bird era started in 1979, bringing the Celtics back to prominence. The Big Three of Bird, McHale, and Parish led the Celtics to 3 NBA titles by 1992.

Robert Parish and the Boston Celtics' Legacy: A Journey Through Triumph and Transformation

In the 1980s, despite losing center Dave Cowens to retirement just before the season, the Boston Celtics dominated the NBA under coach Bill Fitch. The team achieved an impressive 62-20 record in the 1980-81 season and faced the Philadelphia 76ers in a dramatic Eastern Conference Finals. After falling behind 3-1, the Celtics made a thrilling comeback to win Game Seven by a single point, 91-90, eventually claiming the 1981 NBA Championship over the Houston Rockets. Cedric Maxwell earned the Finals MVP award for his stellar performance.

The Celtics met the 76ers once again in the 1981-82 playoffs, but this time, they fell in seven games. In 1983, the Celtics were swept by the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs, marking a significant setback for the franchise. Following the loss, head coach Bill Fitch resigned, and the team was sold to new owners led by Don Gaston.

In 1983-84, under new coach K.C. Jones, the Celtics bounced back with a 62-20 record and returned to the NBA Finals after a three-year hiatus. In a historic series, the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, renewing the fierce rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and secured their 15th championship. After the season, legendary general manager Red Auerbach retired but remained team president, passing the torch to Jan Volk.

The Celtics' rivalry with the Lakers continued in 1985, but this time, the Lakers triumphed, winning their first Finals match-up in Boston Garden. In 1986, the Celtics acquired Bill Walton from the Los Angeles Clippers, solidifying their dominance despite the tragic loss of Len Bias, who passed away after being drafted by Boston. Despite Bias’s death, the Celtics remained competitive, clinching the Eastern Conference Championship in 1986-87 but losing to the Lakers in the Finals.

In the years following, injuries plagued key players like Bird, and the Celtics fell short of championships. In 1992, Bird retired after battling chronic back issues, signaling the end of the Celtics' golden era.

The Rebuilding Years: From Tragedy to Decline (1993-1998)

Following the loss of Bird and other veteran stars, the Celtics entered a rebuilding phase. Tragedy struck in 1993 when rising star Reggie Lewis died of a heart attack during the off-season. The Celtics honored Lewis by retiring his number 35, but the team's fortunes continued to decline, leading to a 32-50 record in 1994.

During this time, M. L. Carr was appointed vice president of basketball operations, but the team struggled. The Celtics’ performance in the mid-90s was lackluster, highlighted by a disastrous 1996-97 season where they lost a franchise-record 67 games. However, new management under Rick Pitino ushered in a youth movement with the selection of Chauncey Billups and Ron Mercer, but the franchise remained mired in mediocrity.

The Paul Pierce Era: From Rebuilding to Contender (1998-2013)

In 1998, the Celtics selected Paul Pierce in the NBA Draft, setting the stage for a new era. Pierce quickly made an impact, leading the team in scoring during his rookie year. However, under coach Rick Pitino, the Celtics continued to struggle, failing to achieve sustained success. Pitino's resignation in 2001 marked a turning point, with Jim O’Brien stepping in as head coach.

In the 2001-02 season, the Celtics surpassed expectations, making an unexpected run to the Eastern Conference Finals, only to lose to the New Jersey Nets. The team continued to improve under O’Brien’s leadership, with Pierce becoming the franchise's cornerstone player.

2003-2007: New Ownership and the Arrival of Doc Rivers

In 2003, new owners took control of the Celtics, ushering in a new era of leadership. Under general manager Danny Ainge, the team began reshaping the roster, trading for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in 2007. These moves formed the iconic "Big Three" with Pierce, and the Celtics were poised for a championship run.

The 2007-08 season was a historic one, with the Celtics finishing with a remarkable 66-16 record. After navigating through a challenging playoff run, the Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals to win their 17th title. Paul Pierce was named Finals MVP, marking a triumphant moment in Celtics history.

The Big Three Era: Continued Success and Championship Glory (2007-2012)

The Celtics' success continued in the following years. Despite injuries to key players like Garnett and struggles in the playoffs, the Celtics remained competitive, making deep runs in the postseason. However, in 2010, the Lakers defeated the Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game Finals series, marking a bitter end to the team's championship hopes for the era.

The Rebuilding Years: Transition to the Next Generation (2013-2016)

After the 2012-13 season, the Celtics entered a rebuilding phase with the departure of key players and head coach Doc Rivers. The team traded Pierce, Garnett, and others to the Brooklyn Nets, marking the start of a new era under head coach Brad Stevens.

In the 2013-14 season, the Celtics missed the playoffs, beginning their youth movement with the acquisition of future stars like Marcus Smart. Despite struggles, the Celtics showed signs of growth, culminating in a playoff appearance in the 2014-15 season.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Triumph

The Boston Celtics have experienced highs and lows throughout their storied history, from the dominance of the 1980s to the rebuilding years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The team's resilience and ability to adapt to change have allowed them to remain competitive, consistently vying for championships and achieving success. Today, the Celtics' rich legacy continues to inspire future generations, proving that the heart of the franchise beats strong in the pursuit of greatness.

Kyrie Irving Era and Celtics' Journey: 2017-2024

2017-2019: The Kyrie Irving Saga
By the close of the 2017 offseason, only four players remained from the 2016–17 Boston Celtics roster. Marcus Smart, the longest-tenured Celtic from the 2014 NBA draft, became a key figure on the team. Early in the season, during the opening game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gordon Hayward tragically suffered a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Despite this setback, the Celtics went on an impressive 16-game winning streak, marking the fourth-longest streak in team history. The Celtics finished the regular season with a 55–27 record, securing second place in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, they triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks in seven games, beat the Philadelphia 76ers in five games, and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games.

Kyrie Irving, who joined the Celtics for two seasons, made two All-Star appearances during his tenure. The Celtics' 2018–19 season ended with a 49–33 record, though concerns arose when the team struggled to find consistency early on, posting a 10–10 record. They rallied, winning eight consecutive games, including an impressive victory over the Chicago Bulls by a 56-point margin, setting a franchise record. Despite an injury to Marcus Smart that sidelined him for the remainder of the season, the Celtics advanced past the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs but were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in five games.

The Celtics had four picks in the 2019 NBA Draft, acquiring Romeo Langford, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, and Tremont Waters. During the 2019 offseason, Irving and Al Horford left for the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively. Despite promising to stay in Boston, Irving departed. On June 30, 2019, the Celtics signed point guard Kemba Walker to a four-year, $141 million contract and acquired him in a sign-and-trade with the Charlotte Hornets, sending Terry Rozier and a second-round pick in return.

2019-2021: The Rise of "The Jays"
After the suspension of the 2019-2020 NBA season, the Celtics entered the NBA Bubble and made a strong playoff run. They swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, defeated the Toronto Raptors in a thrilling seven-game series, and fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat in six games. The 2020–21 season was marred by injuries, with stars like Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown missing time. The Celtics were sent to the play-in tournament but secured their spot in the playoffs by defeating the Washington Wizards. However, their postseason run ended with a loss to the Brooklyn Nets in five games.

2021-2022: First NBA Finals Appearance for "The Jays"
In June 2021, Brad Stevens transitioned from head coach to president of basketball operations, replacing Danny Ainge. Stevens immediately made moves, including trading for Al Horford, Moses Brown, and the 2023 second-round pick. He also hired Ime Udoka as the Celtics' head coach. Jayson Tatum earned his third All-Star appearance in 2022. The Celtics finished the 2021-22 season with a 51–31 record, claiming the second seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, the Celtics dominated the Brooklyn Nets in the first round, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in a seven-game series, and triumphed over the Miami Heat in another seven-game battle to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2010. Though they led the series 2-1, the Celtics fell short in the Finals, losing to the Golden State Warriors 4–2.

2022-2023: Eastern Conference Finals Loss
In September 2022, Ime Udoka was suspended for the entire season, and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla took over as interim head coach. Mazzulla guided the Celtics to a 42–17 record at the All-Star break, and he was named permanent head coach. After overcoming a 3–2 deficit against the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Celtics found themselves in a rematch with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. Despite a historic comeback to Game 7, the Celtics ultimately lost to the Heat, who sealed the win in Boston.

2023-2024: Record-Breaking 18th Championship
In the 2023 offseason, the Celtics made key acquisitions, adding Kristaps Porziņģis from the Washington Wizards in a trade that sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies. The team also acquired Jrue Holiday in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics finished the 2023-24 regular season with the best record in the NBA at 64–18. They cruised through the playoffs, defeating the Miami Heat in the first round, the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jaylen Brown was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP, winning the prestigious Larry Bird Trophy. The Celtics capped off a dominant postseason run by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, winning their 18th championship and breaking a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in NBA history.

Rivalries: Celtics' Intense Matchups in NBA History

Celtics vs. Lakers Rivalry
The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers is the most iconic in NBA history, marked by twelve Finals matchups, including dominant eras in the 1960s and 1980s. The Celtics won the first eight Finals meetings, while the Lakers claimed three of the last four, leaving both teams as the top contenders in NBA history with 18 and 17 championships, respectively.

Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Celtics and Hawks have faced each other 11 times in NBA Playoffs, with the Celtics winning 10 of those series. This rivalry was reignited in 2016 when All-Star Al Horford left the Hawks to join Boston, adding intensity to their matchups.

Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Celtics and Nets' rivalry began in the early 2000s and flared up again when the teams traded stars in 2013. The two teams have had several notable confrontations, including tense moments in the 2012 season when their animosity became a focal point in their on-court battles.

Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons
In the 1980s, the rivalry between the Celtics and Pistons reached its peak, with iconic matchups featuring legends like Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, and Dennis Rodman. The teams met five times in the playoffs, with the Celtics emerging victorious in 1985 and 1987, while the Pistons secured back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.

Celtics vs. New York Knicks
The rivalry between the Celtics and Knicks has spanned decades, driven by the geographic proximity and historical significance of both franchises. With numerous regular-season and playoff encounters, including 61 postseason games, the Celtics have dominated, winning 34 of their 61 matchups.

Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers
As two of the most storied franchises in NBA history, the Celtics and 76ers have met 22 times in the playoffs. The rivalry has featured legendary players like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, and the Celtics have triumphed in 15 of those series.

Celtics vs. Washington Wizards
The Celtics' rivalry with the Wizards became intense in the 2015-16 season, marked by on-court confrontations, trash talk, and physical altercations. Despite their rivalry, the Celtics have had success in their matchups, defeating Washington in the 2017 playoffs.

Celtics vs. Miami Heat
The Celtics' rivalry with the Heat developed throughout the 2010s, especially when both teams featured star-studded trios. Their intense battles, including the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals, have cemented Miami as one of the Celtics' top competitors in the East.