Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a professional basketball franchise competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA), based in Boston, Massachusetts, as members of the league's Eastern Conference Atlantic Division.[1] Founded in 1946 as a charter member of the Basketball Association of America, the precursor to the NBA, the team has achieved unparalleled success, securing 18 championships—the most in league history—as of their 2024 victory.[1][2][3] The franchise's defining eras include the mid-20th-century dynasty under coach Red Auerbach and center Bill Russell, which produced 11 titles in 13 seasons from 1957 to 1969 through disciplined team defense and rebounding dominance.[4][5] Revivals in the 1980s with forward Larry Bird's scoring prowess and perimeter play, followed by the 2008 Big Three acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen alongside Paul Pierce, and the 2024 title driven by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, underscore the Celtics' sustained excellence and adaptation to evolving basketball tactics.[6][5] Central to their identity is the longstanding rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, which has fueled 12 NBA Finals matchups and epitomized the league's competitive intensity.[4]History
1946–1950: Founding and early years
The Boston Celtics were founded on June 6, 1946, by Walter A. Brown, president of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation and owner of the Boston Bruins hockey team, as a charter member of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), a professional league formed to compete with college basketball and fill arena schedules during the National Hockey League off-season.[7][8] Brown mortgaged personal assets to support the venture, naming the team after the original Celtics, a renowned independent basketball club from the 1920s and 1930s that had popularized the sport in Boston.[9] The franchise played its home games at the Boston Garden, sharing the venue with the Bruins, and adopted green and white as its colors, reflecting Irish heritage in the city.[10] John "Honey" Russell, a former college coach and player, was hired as the Celtics' first head coach, leading the team in its inaugural 1946–47 BAA season.[11] The Celtics opened with a 59–53 loss to the Providence Steamrollers on November 1, 1946, at the Rhode Island Auditorium, marking the league's first inter-division game.[12] The team finished with a 22–38 record, placing fifth in the Eastern Division and missing the playoffs amid low-scoring games averaging 60.1 points per game, the league's worst offensive output.[11] Key contributors included center Connie Simmons, who averaged 10.7 points, and forward Chuck Connors, who notably shattered a backboard on November 5, 1946—the first such incident in professional basketball history—during a game against the Knicks.[11] In the 1947–48 season, under continued coaching by Russell, the Celtics improved slightly to a 20–28 record, securing third place in the Eastern Division and their only playoff appearance during the early years.[13] They advanced to the BAA Division Quarterfinals but lost 2–1 to the Chicago Stags, with center Ed Sadowski emerging as the team's leading scorer at 14.2 points per game.[13] Defensive struggles persisted, allowing 72.7 opponent points per game, as the franchise grappled with roster instability and the BAA's competitive landscape.[13] Alvin Julian, previously coach at Holy Cross, replaced Russell as head coach for the 1948–49 season, yielding a 25–35 record and fifth-place finish in the Eastern Division, out of playoff contention.[14] The team averaged 76.5 points scored but surrendered 79.5, highlighting ongoing offensive and defensive deficiencies.[14] The following year, 1949–50, marked the BAA's merger with the National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association (NBA), expanding to 17 teams.[15] Under Julian, the Celtics posted a 22–46 record, finishing sixth in the Eastern Division and again missing the playoffs, with forward Bob Kinney leading scoring at 11.1 points per game amid persistent losing and financial pressures on the ownership.[16] These seasons reflected the Celtics' foundational challenges, including talent shortages and the league's nascent instability, setting the stage for coaching changes in 1950.[16]1950–1960: Cousy, Auerbach, and the rise to contention
In April 1950, Boston Celtics owner Walter Brown hired Arnold "Red" Auerbach as head coach to revitalize the franchise, which had struggled with losing records in its early years.[17] [18] Auerbach implemented a fast-break offensive style emphasizing speed and transition play, which would become a hallmark of the team's identity.[19] Later that year, on October 3, 1950, the Celtics selected Bob Cousy in the dispersal draft of the defunct Chicago Stags' roster, securing the rights to the Holy Cross standout after his original draft rights had been traded away.[20] Cousy made his NBA debut on November 1, 1950, against the Fort Wayne Pistons, bringing dynamic ball-handling, no-look passes, and playmaking that transformed the backcourt.[21] Under Auerbach's system, Cousy's skills in orchestrating the fast break elevated the team's pace, averaging 18.4 points and 6.7 assists per game in his rookie season of 1950–51.[22] The 1950–51 season marked a turnaround, with the Celtics finishing 39–30 (.565 winning percentage), second in the Eastern Division, and qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 1948, beginning a streak of 19 consecutive postseason appearances.[23] [24] Subsequent seasons showed steady improvement: 39–27 in 1951–52 (lost Eastern Division Finals 2–3 to Syracuse), 46–26 in 1952–53 (lost Division Semifinals), and building contention through acquisitions like Bill Sharman in 1951. [24] Cousy led the league in assists for six straight seasons starting in 1952–53, earning All-NBA First Team honors annually from 1954 to 1960 and fostering a winning culture.[25] [22] Auerbach's strategic drafting culminated in selecting Bill Russell second overall in 1956, pairing defensive dominance with Cousy's offense to propel the Celtics to the 1957 NBA Finals, where they defeated the St. Louis Hawks 4–3 for their first championship on April 13, 1957.[26] This victory initiated a period of sustained excellence, with the team posting 49–23 in 1957–58 (lost Finals), 56–19 in 1958–59 (champions), and 59–16 in 1959–60 (champions), establishing Boston as the league's premier contender by decade's end. [27] Auerbach's emphasis on player development and team cohesion, alongside Cousy's on-court leadership, laid the foundation for dominance, though early successes relied on overcoming roster inconsistencies through trades and drafts.[28]1957–1969: Bill Russell dynasty and eleven championships
![Bill Russell dribbling the ball][float-right] The Boston Celtics initiated their dominant era upon drafting center Bill Russell second overall in the 1956 NBA draft, marking a pivotal shift in team fortunes under head coach Red Auerbach.[29] In the 1956-57 season, Russell contributed 19.6 points and 21.9 rebounds per game, bolstering a roster featuring guards Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman, forward Tom Heinsohn, and others like Frank Ramsey and Jim Loscutoff.[30] The Celtics clinched their inaugural NBA championship on April 13, 1957, defeating the St. Louis Hawks 125-123 in Game 7 of the Finals, with Russell's rebounding and shot-blocking proving decisive in overcoming a physically imposing opponent.[6] Following a Finals loss to the Hawks in 1958, the Celtics embarked on an unprecedented streak of eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, equaling the record for most sequential titles in major North American sports at the time.[31] Auerbach's strategic drafting and trades assembled a core including forwards Heinsohn and Satch Sanders, guards Sam Jones and John Havlicek (acquired in 1962), and Russell's unyielding interior defense, which limited opponents' scoring efficiency across multiple playoff runs.[27] During this period, the team maintained regular-season records averaging over 55 wins, exemplified by the 1964-65 campaign's 62-18 mark, while Russell earned five MVP awards (1958, 1961-1963, 1965).[30][32] Auerbach retired as coach after the 1966 championship, a 4-3 Finals victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, handing the reins to Russell as the first African American head coach in NBA history.[6] Despite roster aging and injuries, Russell's player-coach tenure yielded two more titles: the 1968 Finals win against the Lakers (4-2), highlighted by Jones' clutch scoring, and the 1969 defeat of the Lakers (4-3) in a dramatic series where Havlicek's contributions offset Russell's defensive focus.[31] Over Russell's 13 seasons (1956-1969), the Celtics appeared in 12 NBA Finals, securing 11 championships—a feat attributed to Auerbach's personnel decisions, Russell's rebounding dominance (averaging 22.5 rebounds career-wide), and team cohesion amid a league expanding from 8 to 14 teams.[30][6]| Year | Finals Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | St. Louis Hawks | 4–3 | First title; Russell Finals debut |
| 1959 | Minneapolis Lakers | 4–0 | Sweep; start of streak |
| 1960 | Minneapolis Lakers | 4–3 | Game 7 thriller |
| 1961 | St. Louis Hawks | 4–1 | - |
| 1962 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4–3 | - |
| 1963 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4–2 | - |
| 1964 | San Francisco Warriors | 4–1 | - |
| 1965 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4–1 | - |
| 1966 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4–3 | Auerbach's last as coach |
| 1968 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4–2 | Russell as player-coach |
| 1969 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4–3 | Final Russell title; Havlicek shines |
1969–1979: Post-Russell transition and rebuilding
Bill Russell's retirement after the 1969 NBA championship concluded the Celtics' dynasty, leaving the team without its defensive anchor and leader.[33] The 1969–70 season resulted in a franchise-worst 34–48 record, placing sixth in the Eastern Division and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1950.[34] Tom Heinsohn, a former Celtics player, was appointed head coach on September 15, 1969, initiating a transitional phase focused on integrating younger talent.[35] The Celtics selected center Dave Cowens with the fourth overall pick in the 1970 NBA Draft, a selection that proved pivotal for the rebuild.[36] Cowens quickly emerged as a high-energy rebounder and scorer, earning NBA MVP honors in 1973 while averaging 20.5 points and 16.2 rebounds per game that season.[37] Veteran John Havlicek, who transitioned to a full-time starting role post-Russell, provided continuity with his versatile scoring and defense, averaging 25.4 points per game from 1969–70 to 1973–74.[38] Under Heinsohn's coaching, the team improved progressively, posting a 56–26 record in 1971–72 and securing multiple Atlantic Division titles.[39] The rebuilt roster culminated in NBA championships in 1974 and 1976. In the 1974 Finals, Boston defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4–3, with Havlicek earning Finals MVP after averaging 26.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.[40] Cowens and Havlicek formed a dynamic duo, complemented by guards Jo Jo White and Paul Westphal. The 1976 Finals saw the Celtics overcome the Phoenix Suns 4–2, clinching the title on June 6, 1976, with an 87–80 victory in Game 6.[41] These successes under Heinsohn, who compiled a 427–263 regular-season record, demonstrated effective roster construction around high-effort players rather than superstar dominance.[39] By the late 1970s, aging cores and injuries led to decline, with records of 32–50 in 1977–78 and 29–53 in 1978–79, both missing the playoffs.[42] Heinsohn was fired in December 1978, and the team entered further transition under new coach Bill Fitch in 1979.[39] Despite the championships, the era highlighted the challenges of sustaining success without Russell's unparalleled defensive impact, relying instead on collective intensity and strategic drafting.[6]1979–1992: Larry Bird era and renewed dominance
The Boston Celtics experienced a dramatic turnaround beginning with the arrival of Larry Bird, who was selected sixth overall in the 1978 NBA draft but deferred his entry to complete his college season at Indiana State, joining the team for the 1979–80 season. Under head coach Bill Fitch, Bird's rookie year propelled the Celtics from a 29–53 record the prior season to 61–21, securing the best regular-season mark in the league and the first division title since 1975. Bird averaged 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, earning All-Rookie First Team honors and finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.[43][44] In a pivotal pre-draft trade on June 9, 1980, Celtics president Red Auerbach acquired center Robert Parish from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Boston's first-round pick (which Golden State used to select Joe Barry Carroll first overall) and a future second-round pick; the Celtics then used their own third-overall pick, obtained via prior trades, to select forward Kevin McHale, forming the core frontcourt alongside Bird. This trio, known as the "frontcourt of the '80s," anchored the team through multiple deep playoff runs, with Parish providing rim protection and rebounding (14.7 points and 9.7 rebounds per game career with Boston) and McHale excelling in post scoring and defense (17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game). The bolstered roster reached the NBA Finals in 1981, defeating the Houston Rockets in six games for the franchise's 13th championship, with Bird earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 15.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. Fitch's disciplined system emphasized defense and team play, culminating in 62 wins during the 1980–81 regular season. Fitch departed after the 1982–83 season amid reported locker room tensions, replaced by K.C. Jones, who had served as an assistant and previously won eight titles as a player under Auerbach. Under Jones, the Celtics advanced to the Finals five times from 1984 to 1988, winning in 1984 against the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games—Bird's 29 points and 11 rebounds in Game 7 proving decisive—and again in 1986 over Houston in six games, where Bird secured his second Finals MVP with 24.0 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. The 1984–85 and 1986–87 series losses to the Lakers highlighted the intense rivalry, fueled by contrasting styles and personalities, with Boston's gritty, defense-oriented play clashing against Los Angeles' fast-break offense led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bird dominated individually, capturing NBA MVP awards in 1984, 1985, and 1986, becoming the only forward to win three consecutive since Wilt Chamberlain.[45][46][44] The era's dominance waned in the late 1980s due to injuries, particularly Bird's chronic back issues that required heel surgery in 1988 and limited him to six games in 1988–89, contributing to first-round playoff exits in 1988 and 1989. Despite adding guards like Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson for perimeter scoring and defense, the aging core struggled against younger, athletic teams; the Celtics last reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1988, losing to Detroit. Bird returned in 1989–90, leading Boston to 52 wins, but persistent health problems culminated in his retirement after the 1991–92 season, having amassed 21,791 points (24.3 per game), 8,974 rebounds, and 5,695 assists over 897 games, all with Boston. The franchise retired his No. 33 jersey in 1993, recognizing his role in restoring contention and securing three titles during a decade of renewed excellence.[43][44]1993–2001: Decline, tragedy, and ownership shifts
Following the retirement of Larry Bird after the 1991–92 season, the Boston Celtics entered a period of sharp decline exacerbated by the sudden death of star forward Reggie Lewis. On April 29, 1993, during Game 1 of the first-round playoffs against the Charlotte Hornets, Lewis collapsed on the court at Boston Garden due to ventricular tachycardia, leading to the Celtics' elimination in five games.[47] Lewis, who had been named an All-Star in 1992 after averaging 20.8 points per game, died on July 27, 1993, at age 27 during an offseason workout at Brandeis University; an autopsy attributed the cause to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition involving thickened heart muscle that impairs function.[48][49] His death left the franchise without a clear successor, as the roster featured aging veterans like Robert Parish and lacked elite talent, resulting in a 32–50 record in the 1993–94 season under coach Chris Ford and missing the playoffs. The Celtics continued to struggle through the mid-1990s, posting losing records annually: 35–47 in 1994–95, 33–49 in 1995–96, and a franchise-worst 24–58 in 1996–97, with no playoff appearances from 1994 to 1997. Efforts to rebuild via the draft yielded mixed results; the team selected forward Antoine Walker sixth overall in 1996, who became a double-double threat averaging 18.7 points and 7.7 rebounds as a rookie, providing a temporary scoring anchor. However, the 1997 draft pick of point guard Chauncey Billups third overall was traded immediately to Toronto for Dee Brown and John Thomas, a move that later proved costly as Billups developed into an All-Star elsewhere. In 1998, the Celtics drafted Paul Pierce tenth overall, who emerged as a scoring leader with 16.5 points per game as a rookie, signaling potential but insufficient to reverse the slide amid ongoing front-office instability.[50] In May 1997, the Celtics hired Rick Pitino as head coach and team president with a then-record $27 million contract over six years, aiming to inject college-style discipline and rebuild through youth; Pitino's tenure, however, yielded poor results, with a 102–146 record over three and a half seasons, including shortened lockout-affected campaigns of 19–31 in 1998–99 and another 19–31 in 1999–00.[51] Pitino resigned on January 8, 2001, leaving assistant Jim O'Brien to coach the remainder of the 2000–01 season, which ended 36–46 and again without playoffs.[52] During this era, ownership rested with Paul Gaston, who assumed control as chairman of the Boston Celtics Limited Partnership in 1992 following his father Don Gaston's involvement since the 1983 purchase from Harry Mangurian for approximately $19 million; Paul's stewardship drew criticism for fiscal conservatism and failure to attract top free agents, contributing to the team's valuation stagnation relative to rising NBA franchises.[53] By late 2001, amid prolonged losing and fan discontent, Gaston began exploring a sale, culminating in the franchise's transfer to a new investment group in 2002 for $360 million, marking the end of family-led ownership.[54]2001–2007: Paul Pierce leadership and stabilization
Following Rick Pitino's resignation on January 10, 2001, interim coach Jim O'Brien guided the Celtics to a 24–24 finish in the lockout-shortened 2000–01 season, missing the playoffs at 36–46 overall.[52] O'Brien was promoted to head coach, and Paul Pierce, entering his fourth NBA season, emerged as the franchise's cornerstone, averaging 26.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while earning his first All-Star selection.[50] The team, bolstered by Antoine Walker and Tony Delk, improved markedly in 2001–02 to 49–33, securing the No. 3 seed in the East and defeating the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets in the playoffs before losing 4–2 to the New Jersey Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals; Pierce averaged 24.6 points in the postseason, including a franchise-record 19 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3, part of a 21-point comeback win.[55] The 2002–03 season saw another 44–38 record and second-round playoff exit to the Nets (4–3), with Pierce again leading as an All-Star (25.9 points per game) amid roster tweaks, including the midseason acquisition of Mike Banks.[50] Ownership stabilized in October 2002 when Paul Gaston sold the franchise for $360 million to Boston Basketball Partners LLC, led by Wycliffe Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca, ending years of financial uncertainty.[56] O'Brien was fired on December 13, 2003, after a 22–24 start to the 2003–04 season (ending 36–46 overall), with assistant John Carroll finishing 14–22 as interim coach; the team lost in the first round to the Pacers 4–0, as Pierce averaged 23.0 points but the supporting cast faltered post-Walker's October 2003 trade to Dallas for Tony Delk, Evan Eschmeyer, and Chris Mills.[50] Doc Rivers was hired as head coach on May 19, 2005, following the 2004–05 season's 45–37 record and first-round loss to the Pacers (4–3), where Pierce (21.6 points per game) earned his fourth straight All-Star nod.[50] However, defensive lapses and injuries contributed to regressions: 33–49 in 2005–06 (no playoffs, Pierce at 26.8 points) and a league-worst 24–58 in 2006–07 (no playoffs, Pierce at 25.0 points and fifth All-Star selection), highlighting roster deficiencies despite Pierce's scoring consistency and leadership.[50] This era marked a pivot from decline, with four playoff appearances in six seasons centered on Pierce's All-NBA caliber play (two Third Team honors, 2002 and 2008, though the latter fell outside), setting the stage for major reinforcements.[50]2007–2013: Big Three era and return to contention
In the 2007 NBA offseason, Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge rebuilt the roster around captain Paul Pierce by acquiring shooting guard Ray Allen and power forward Kevin Garnett, forming the core known as the Big Three. On June 28, 2007, the Celtics traded Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, and the fifth overall draft pick (which became Jeff Green) to the Seattle SuperSonics for Allen, a five-time All-Star who averaged 26.4 points per game the prior season.[57][58] On July 31, 2007, they traded Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, and two future first-round picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Garnett, a 2004 league MVP coming off 22.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game.[59][60] Under head coach Doc Rivers, who had been hired in 2004, the revamped Celtics achieved a 66–16 regular-season record in 2007–08, the league's best and a 42-win improvement from their 24–58 mark the previous year.[61] In the playoffs, they swept the Atlanta Hawks 4–0 in the first round, defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 4–3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals, overcame the Detroit Pistons 4–2 in the conference finals, and beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4–2 in the NBA Finals.[61] The series-clinching Game 6 on June 17, 2008, ended in a 131–92 rout, securing the franchise's 17th championship—its first since 1986—with Paul Pierce earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.[62][63] The Big Three era sustained contention through 2013 despite mounting injuries and roster aging. In 2009–10, a knee injury sidelined Garnett for much of the regular season, yielding a 50–32 record, but Boston reached the Finals again, falling 4–3 to the Lakers in a seven-game series decided by an 83–79 score in Game 7 on June 17, 2010.[64][65] The team advanced to the Eastern Conference finals in 2011 and 2012, losing both to the Miami Heat, before a 41–40 finish in 2012–13 amid Pierce's declining production and Garnett's physical toll.[66] On July 12, 2013, the Celtics traded Pierce, Garnett, Jason Terry, and D. J. White to the Brooklyn Nets for Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, Keith Bogans, MarShon Brooks, Kris Joseph, and future draft considerations, effectively ending the era; Rivers was also traded to the Los Angeles Clippers days earlier.[67][68]2013–2017: Rebuild through draft and trades
Following the 2012–13 season, in which the Celtics compiled a 41–41 record and exited in the first round of the playoffs, president of basketball operations Danny Ainge elected to dismantle the aging championship core to initiate a rebuild centered on draft assets and young players. On July 12, 2013, Boston traded forwards Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, along with guard Jason Terry, to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Gerald Wallace, forwards Kris Humphries and Keith Bogans, guard MarShon Brooks, and draft considerations including the Nets' unprotected first-round picks in 2014, 2016, and 2018, plus a protected 2017 first-round pick swap.[69] [70] The Nets' subsequent decline—posting a 44–38 record in 2013–14 before regressing sharply—elevated the value of these picks, as Brooklyn's poor performance conveyed lottery selections to Boston, fundamentally altering the franchise's trajectory through asset accumulation rather than immediate contention.[71] The rebuild's initial phase yielded a franchise-worst 25–57 record in 2013–14, the team's first playoff absence since 2006–07, under new head coach Brad Stevens, hired July 3, 2013. [70] In the 2013 NBA draft (held prior to the season), Boston selected center Kelly Olynyk 13th overall with their own pick; Olynyk averaged 10.8 points and 6.5 rebounds as a rookie before departing in free agency after 2016–17.[72] The 2014 draft capitalized on the poor season and Nets' asset, yielding guard Marcus Smart (sixth overall, own lottery pick) and forward James Young (17th overall, from Brooklyn); Smart quickly established himself as an elite perimeter defender, earning NBA All-Defensive honors in 2016–17 and anchoring the backcourt for years.[72] Ainge executed 19 trades from July 2013 through late 2016, prioritizing draft capital over short-term wins, including the December 18, 2014, deal sending point guard Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks for forward Brandan Wright, point guard Jameer Nelson, and a 2019 first-round pick (later traded).[73] The 2015 draft added guard Terry Rozier (16th overall), who developed into a reliable reserve averaging 9.0 points in 2016–17.[72] By 2015–16, incremental improvements surfaced with a 48–34 record and a first-round playoff loss to Atlanta, but the strategy remained asset-focused. The 2016 draft highlighted the Nets picks' windfall: Brooklyn's 21–61 finish positioned their unprotected selection third overall after lottery resolution, enabling Boston to draft forward Jaylen Brown, who averaged 6.6 points as a rookie before emerging as a two-way star.[72] This period's trades and drafts built a foundation of cost-controlled talent, transitioning the roster toward contention by 2016–17 (53–29 record, Eastern Conference top seed). In the 2017 draft, Ainge flipped accumulated assets—including a No. 1 overall pick derived from prior Brooklyn-linked trades—for the third pick, selecting forward Jayson Tatum, whose rookie averages of 13.9 points and 5.0 rebounds presaged All-NBA caliber play.[72] These moves exemplified Ainge's emphasis on high-upside youth and future flexibility over veteran retention.[74]2017–2024: Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum core, seventeenth and eighteenth titles
The Boston Celtics drafted forward Jayson Tatum third overall on June 22, 2017, pairing him with wing Jaylen Brown, selected third overall in the 2016 NBA draft, to form the foundation of a young core.[75][76] Both players developed into All-Stars, with Tatum earning All-NBA honors multiple times and Brown securing a Finals MVP award, leading the franchise through six Eastern Conference Finals appearances and two NBA Finals trips during this span. The duo's tenure followed the 2008 championship (the franchise's seventeenth title) and emphasized defensive versatility, perimeter scoring, and playoff resilience amid roster flux.[77] In the 2017–18 season under coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics finished 55–27 despite losing Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward to injuries early, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals where they fell 4–3 to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Injuries and chemistry issues hampered the 2018–19 campaign (49–33 record), ending in a second-round playoff loss to Milwaukee, prompting front-office president Danny Ainge to trade Irving and Al Horford to Brooklyn and Charlotte, respectively, for Kemba Walker and draft assets.[78] The 2019–20 season saw a 48–24 mark (shortened by COVID-19), with another Eastern Conference Finals defeat to Miami, though Stevens transitioned to president of basketball operations in October 2020. The 2020–21 season yielded a middling 36–36 record and a first-round exit to Brooklyn, leading to the hiring of Ime Udoka as coach. Udoka guided a rebound to 51–31 and the 2021–22 NBA Finals, where Boston lost 4–2 to Golden State despite acquiring Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon for depth; Udoka's firing in September 2022 for policy violations elevated assistant Joe Mazzulla.[79] The 2022–23 team posted 57–25 but fell in the Eastern Conference Finals to Miami after trading for Kristaps Porzingis. Bolstered by signing Jrue Holiday in a 2023 sign-and-trade, the 2023–24 Celtics achieved a franchise-record-tying 64–18 regular season under Mazzulla, then stormed the playoffs 16–3: defeating Miami 4–1, Cleveland 4–1, Indiana 4–0, and Dallas 4–1 in the Finals for the eighteenth championship on June 17, 2024.[80][81] Brown averaged 20.8 points in the Finals to earn MVP honors, while Tatum led in scoring at 22.2 points per game across the postseason.[82] This victory surpassed the Lakers' 17 titles, affirming the Brown-Tatum core's role in restoring dominance 16 years after the seventeenth banner.[77]2024–present: Title defense, roster changes, and early challenges
The Boston Celtics entered the 2024–25 season as defending NBA champions following a 4–1 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 Finals, marking their 18th franchise title.[82] The organization prioritized roster stability by extending Jayson Tatum a five-year, $314 million supermax contract on July 1, 2024, which included a player option and trade kicker.[83] The core lineup remained largely intact, featuring Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Al Horford, and Kristaps Porziņģis, with no major departures among starters.[84] During the regular season, the Celtics achieved a 61–21 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference behind a league-leading offense and strong defensive rating.[84] Yet, Porziņģis's recurring health issues—stemming from a prior calf injury, a midseason viral illness, and subsequent ankle and knee ailments—restricted him to limited minutes, including missing back-to-backs and debuting late on November 25, 2024, against the Clippers.[85][86] These absences exposed vulnerabilities in frontcourt depth and rim protection, factors that hindered adaptability in high-stakes scenarios.[87] In the playoffs, Boston advanced past the first round but faltered in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, succumbing to issues like blown leads, turnovers, and inefficient shooting amid Porziņģis's unavailability.[88] This second-round exit marked the team's earliest postseason departure since 2021 and dashed hopes of a repeat championship, a feat accomplished by only eight franchises in NBA history.[89] For the 2025–26 season, the Celtics pursued incremental depth enhancements, signing reserves like Torrey Craig, Luka Garza, Josh Minott, and Amari Williams while waiving non-contributors such as RJ Luis Jr. to finalize the roster ahead of training camp.[90][91] The core persisted, but early results were discouraging: losses to the Philadelphia 76ers (117–116 on October 22, 2025) and New York Knicks (105–95 on October 24, 2025) left the team at 0–2, prompting scrutiny over motivation, injury management, and the sustainability of their high-payroll model under luxury tax constraints.[92][93] Analysts noted that while the group's continuity fostered cohesion, the prior season's shortcomings highlighted risks of stagnation without Porziņģis's full health or fresh tactical adjustments from coach Joe Mazzulla.[94]Rivalries
Los Angeles Lakers
The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers rivalry is the most frequent matchup in NBA Finals history, with the teams facing off 12 times since 1959. Boston holds a 9–3 series advantage in those encounters, securing championships in 1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1984, and 2008, while Los Angeles prevailed in 1985, 1987, and 2010.[95][96] This dominance in head-to-head playoff series underscores Boston's historical edge, though the Lakers' overall franchise success, including 17 titles, has fueled ongoing debates about relative supremacy.[97] The rivalry originated in the late 1950s amid the Celtics' dynasty under Bill Russell, who led Boston to eight straight NBA titles from 1959 to 1966, defeating the Minneapolis Lakers (pre-Los Angeles relocation) in 1959 and the relocated franchise multiple times thereafter. Key Lakers figures like Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and Wilt Chamberlain repeatedly challenged Boston but fell short, with West earning Finals MVP honors in 1969 despite a 4–3 loss.[96] This era established the Celtics' psychological upper hand, as Boston won all seven Finals series against Los Angeles in the 1960s, often overcoming deficits through Russell's defensive prowess and team cohesion.[96] Renewed intensity emerged in the 1980s with Larry Bird facing Magic Johnson, pitting Boston's gritty, fundamental style against Los Angeles' fast-break "Showtime" offense. The teams met three times in the Finals: Boston's 1984 victory (4–3), highlighted by Bird's 29-point Game 6, followed by Lakers triumphs in 1985 (4–2) and 1987 (4–2), the latter featuring Johnson's iconic "junior sky hook" in Game 4.[97] These clashes, marked by personal animosity between stars and contrasting team cultures—Boston's blue-collar ethos versus Los Angeles' Hollywood flair—elevated the rivalry's cultural significance, drawing peak television ratings and embodying East Coast tradition against West Coast innovation.[96] The 2000s revived the matchup with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett's Celtics upsetting Kobe Bryant's Lakers in the 2008 Finals (4–2), ending Boston's 22-year title drought via strong defense and home-court leverage. Los Angeles responded in 2010, winning 4–3 behind Bryant's 23.1 points per game average and a Game 7 comeback from a 13-point deficit.[98] In regular-season play, Boston leads 167–135 all-time through 2024, reflecting sustained competitiveness despite fewer recent Finals meetings.[99] The rivalry persists as a benchmark for NBA excellence, influencing narratives around franchise legacies, though its Finals frequency has declined with league expansion and realignment.Philadelphia 76ers
The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers traces its origins to the 1963–64 NBA season, when Philadelphia's franchise—formerly the Syracuse Nationals—rebranded as the 76ers and began competing against Boston in the Eastern Division.[100] This matchup built on earlier tensions from the 1950s and early 1960s against the Philadelphia Warriors, featuring Bill Russell's defensive dominance against Wilt Chamberlain's scoring prowess, and evolved into one of the league's most physically intense and storied feuds.[101] The teams have met in 14 playoff series specifically as the 76ers, with Boston securing victory in 10 and Philadelphia in 4; including pre-1963 encounters with the Warriors, the playoff game total reaches 116, where the Celtics hold a 66–50 record.[100][102] In regular-season play, Boston leads with 273 wins to Philadelphia's 198 across 471 games.[103] The 1960s defined the rivalry's foundational intensity, pitting Russell's championship-laden Celtics against Chamberlain's record-breaking 76ers squads. A pivotal moment came in the 1965 Eastern Division Finals Game 7 on April 15, when John Havlicek's famous steal and deflection preserved a 110–109 Boston victory, advancing the Celtics to their seventh straight title.[100] Philadelphia gained revenge in the 1967 Eastern Division Finals, defeating Boston 4–1 to snap the Celtics' eight-year NBA Finals streak, with Chamberlain averaging 24.0 points and 32.0 rebounds per game in the series.[102] These clashes highlighted contrasting styles—Boston's team-oriented, gritty defense versus Philadelphia's individualistic power—fueled by geographic proximity and fanbase animosity between the cities. The 1980s elevated the rivalry to its most heated peak during Larry Bird's tenure against Julius Erving's high-flying 76ers, marked by trash-talking, on-court altercations, and four Eastern Conference Finals meetings between 1980 and 1985.[104] Boston won the 1980 ECF 4–1, but Philadelphia swept the 1981 first-round series 3–0 and claimed the decisive 1982 ECF 4–3, with Andrew Toney's 39-point explosion in Game 4 on May 16 earning him the moniker "The Boston Strangler" for tormenting Celtic defenders.[100] The era's physicality peaked in brawls and ejections, exemplified by the 1984 ECF where Boston prevailed 4–3 amid Julius Erving's elbow incident with Tree Rollins, underscoring the bad-blood dynamic that drew national attention.[105] Post-1980s encounters grew sporadic until the 2010s, when younger cores—featuring Boston's Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown against Philadelphia's Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey—revived postseason stakes, though the Celtics have dominated recent series. Philadelphia's last playoff series victory over Boston remains the 1982 ECF; since then, the teams have clashed six times, with Boston winning each, including 4–1 in 2018, 4–0 in 2020, and 4–3 in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals where Tatum averaged 27.5 points per game.[100][106] Memorable recent highlights include the 2018 "Confetti Game" on May 5, where Marco Belinelli's buzzer-tying 3-pointer triggered premature celebrations in Philadelphia before Boston's 101–98 overtime win.[100] Over the last decade through October 2025, Boston holds a 12–4 playoff edge in their matchups.[107] The rivalry persists in regular-season games, with Philadelphia edging recent contests like a 117–116 victory on October 22, 2025, but Boston's historical playoff superiority reinforces its one-sided modern tilt.[108][109]New York Knicks
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks rivalry is the oldest in NBA history, commencing with their inaugural matchup on December 29, 1946, during the Basketball Association of America's first season, of which both franchises were founding members.[110] The competition has been characterized by intense regional animosity along the Northeast Corridor, contrasting fan cultures, and periods of alternating dominance, with the Celtics generally holding the upper hand in regular-season play at 308 wins to the Knicks' 190 across 498 games as of the 2024–25 season.[111][112] Playoff encounters, totaling 16 series, are evenly split at 8–8, reflecting closer competition in high-stakes settings where the Knicks have claimed key upsets.[113] The first postseason meeting occurred in the 1951 division semifinals, a best-of-three series swept 2–0 by the Knicks, marking New York's early edge before the Celtics' dynasty era shifted momentum.[113] Renewed ferocity emerged in the 1970s Eastern Conference Finals, with the Knicks prevailing 4–1 in 1972 and 4–3 in 1973— the latter featuring a 94–90 Game 7 victory over a league-best 68–14 Celtics squad, the first time any opponent defeated Boston in a playoff Game 7.[114] The Celtics responded in 1974, winning 4–1 to advance to the Finals.[113] A decade later, the 1984 Eastern Conference Semifinals saw Boston edge New York 4–3, with the home team victorious in every game and Larry Bird outdueling Bernard King amid physical, low-scoring battles averaging under 100 points per contest.[115] Subsequent playoff clashes included New York's 4–1 Eastern Conference Semifinals win in 1990 and 4–2 first-round triumph in 2013, punctuated by Carmelo Anthony's scoring outbursts, while Boston swept 4–0 in 2011.[113] The rivalry lay dormant in the postseason from 2013 until 2025, when the Knicks defeated the defending champion Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, highlighted by a franchise-record 23-point comeback to win Game 1 108–105 in overtime on May 5 and a 119–81 rout in Game 6 on May 16 to clinch the series.[116][117] These encounters underscore the Knicks' resilience against elite Boston teams, often leveraging home-court energy at Madison Square Garden against the Celtics' storied defensive pedigree.[118] Beyond statistics, the feud has produced cultural touchstones, including fan-driven tensions amplified by New York City's media spotlight and Boston's championship ethos, though lopsided regular-season results have occasionally tempered perceptions of parity outside playoffs.[119] As both franchises vie for supremacy in the Atlantic Division, recent Knicks acquisitions like Karl-Anthony Towns have injected fresh intrigue, evident in their 105–95 regular-season victory over Boston on October 24, 2025.[120]Detroit Pistons
The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons have met in the NBA playoffs 10 times, with the Celtics holding a 24–21 series edge in games played.[121][122][123] The rivalry originated in the league's early years but gained prominence in the 1980s, characterized by intense physicality between the Celtics' established core led by Larry Bird and the Pistons' emerging "Bad Boys" roster featuring Isiah Thomas, known for aggressive defense and hand-checking tactics that tested Boston's finesse-oriented play.[124][125] From 1985 to 1991, the teams clashed in five playoff series, including three Eastern Conference Finals, underscoring Detroit's rise as a contender against Boston's dynasty remnants. In the 1985 ECF, the Celtics defeated the Pistons 4–2, advancing to the NBA Finals. The 1987 ECF proved pivotal, with Boston rallying from a 2–1 deficit to win 4–3; a defining moment came in Game 5 when Bird intercepted a pass from Thomas, igniting a 20–2 run that secured a 108–107 victory and shifted series momentum.[124] Detroit then prevailed in the 1988 ECF (4–3), en route to their first NBA championship, followed by back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990 after defeating Boston in the 1990 ECF (4–1) and 1991 first round (3–0). These matchups highlighted Detroit's physical style, including controversial plays like Bill Laimbeer's elbows and Rick Mahorn's screens, which drew criticism from Celtics personnel for crossing into overly rough territory, though NBA officials rarely penalized such actions consistently.[124] The rivalry reignited in the early 2000s amid both teams' resurgences. In the 2002 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Paul Pierce's Celtics ousted the Pistons 4–1, with Pierce averaging 26.6 points per game.[126] It peaked again in the 2008 ECF, where Boston's newly assembled trio of Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen dispatched Detroit 4–2; Garnett's 33-point outburst in Game 5 (a 103–91 win) exemplified the defensive intensity, as the Celtics limited the Pistons to under 90 points in three victories.[127] This series marked Detroit's last deep playoff run against Boston, contrasting the 1980s' brutality with a more strategic, athletic confrontation, though echoes of physicality persisted in on-court altercations. Since 2008, regular-season games have remained competitive but without playoff rematches, with Boston winning 256 of 397 total meetings through the 2024–25 season.[128]Atlanta Hawks
The rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks traces its origins to the Basketball Association of America (BAA) era, with the Hawks franchise—originally the Tri-Cities Blackhawks, then relocating to Milwaukee and St. Louis—facing the Celtics in multiple early playoff encounters, including four NBA Finals appearances by the St. Louis Hawks against Boston from 1957 to 1961.[129] The Celtics prevailed in all four series, defeating the Hawks 4-2 in the 1957 NBA Finals to secure Boston's inaugural league title in a decisive 125-123 Game 7 victory at the Boston Garden, highlighted by rookie Tommy Heinsohn's 18 points and 23 rebounds.[129] This early dominance established a lopsided historical edge, with the Celtics holding a 46-31 advantage in 77 total playoff games as of the 2023 postseason.[130] The teams have met in the playoffs 13 times overall, with Boston winning 11 series to Atlanta's 2, reflecting the Celtics' superior postseason execution against the Hawks franchise despite competitive regular-season matchups where Boston leads 245-151 in 396 games.[131] Notable later clashes include the 1986 Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the Celtics ousted Atlanta 4-1, featuring a record-tying 36-6 third-quarter explosion in Game 3 that propelled a 111-88 rout and underscored Boston's transition-game efficiency under coach K.C. Jones.[132][129] In 1988, the Celtics again triumphed in a seven-game Eastern Conference Semifinals battle, clinching Game 7 on May 14 with Larry Bird's 26 points amid defensive battles featuring Dominique Wilkins' scoring prowess for Atlanta.[129] The rivalry intensified in the 2000s and 2010s with divisional alignment fostering annual competition, culminating in first-round series in 2008 (Celtics won 4-3, overcoming a 99-65 Game 7 blowout loss in Atlanta but rallying behind Paul Pierce's leadership), 2016 (Hawks won 4-2, leveraging home-court and Al Horford's versatility to upset a rebuilding Boston squad), and 2023 (Celtics won 4-2, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for 62 points in the clincher amid Boston's 14-3 closing run).[133][134] These encounters highlight causal factors like roster depth and star performance differentials favoring Boston in most outcomes, though Atlanta's occasional upsets demonstrate the Hawks' resilience in exploiting Celtic vulnerabilities such as perimeter defense lapses.[135] While not matching the cultural vitriol of Boston's clashes with the Lakers or 76ers, the Hawks-Celtics matchup endures due to its foundational role in NBA lore and persistent playoff friction post-Atlanta's 1968 relocation.[129]Other notable rivalries
The Boston Celtics' rivalry with the Miami Heat emerged prominently during the 2010s, fueled by multiple Eastern Conference Finals matchups between the Celtics' "Big Three" era roster and LeBron James' Heat superteam. The teams first met in the playoffs in 2010, with Boston defeating Miami 4-1 in the semifinals, followed by additional series in 2011 (Heat win 4-1) and 2012 (Heat win 4-3).[136] The intensity persisted into the 2020s, with playoff clashes in 2020 (Heat win 4-2 in ECF), 2022 (Celtics win 4-3 in ECF), and 2023 (Heat win 4-3 in ECF), resulting in a playoff series record of 21 wins apiece across 42 games.[137] These encounters, marked by physical play and on-court altercations, have elevated the matchup to one of the NBA's more heated modern rivalries, independent of the league's traditional narratives.[138] Another significant rivalry has developed with the Milwaukee Bucks since the late 2010s, driven by repeated Eastern Conference playoff battles amid both teams' contention for supremacy. Key series include the 2018 semifinals, where Boston overcame Milwaukee 4-3, and the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, won by the Bucks 4-1.[139] The Bucks hold a slight regular-season edge historically (112-121), but Boston leads in playoff meetings (25-21 across 46 games), including recent dominance such as a 3-0 start to the 2024-25 season series.[140][141][142] Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has acknowledged Boston as "the standard" in the East, underscoring the competitive stakes as both pursue championships.[143] This matchup reflects ongoing Eastern Conference parity rather than deep historical animosity, yet it has produced playoff-caliber intensity in recent seasons.[144]Achievements and Records
NBA championships and Finals appearances
The Boston Celtics have won a record 18 NBA championships, the most by any franchise in league history, achieving this in 23 Finals appearances for an .783 winning percentage.[77][3] Their dominance is marked by extended dynasties, particularly in the mid-20th century, where strategic team construction emphasizing defense, rebounding, and fast-break offense under coach Red Auerbach propelled them to sustained success against varied opponents.[6] From 1957 to 1969, the Celtics secured 11 titles in 13 Finals trips, including an NBA-record eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, largely anchored by center Bill Russell's defensive prowess and the contributions of guards Bob Cousy and point forwards like John Havlicek.[145] This era featured frequent matchups against the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers, defeating them seven times in nine series.[6] Post-Russell, the franchise experienced a lull until the 1970s and 1980s revival under players like Dave Cowens, Larry Bird, and Kevin McHale, yielding four more titles in 1974, 1976, 1981, and 1984, with an additional win in 1986.[5] In the modern era, the Celtics added three championships: 2008 against the Lakers (4–2 series), 2010 (though they lost the Finals 4–3 to the Lakers), and 2024 over the Dallas Mavericks (4–1), with the latter marking their 18th title and first since 2010, driven by a balanced roster featuring Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.[145][77] Losses in the Finals occurred in 1958 (to St. Louis Hawks, 2–4), 1985 (to Lakers, 2–4), 1987 (to Lakers, 2–4), 2010 (to Lakers, 3–4), and 2022 (to Golden State Warriors, 2–4).[146]| Year | Opponent | Result | Series Score | Finals MVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | St. Louis Hawks | Win | 4–3 | Not awarded[6] |
| 1958 | St. Louis Hawks | Loss | 2–4 | N/A[145] |
| 1959 | Minneapolis Lakers | Win | 4–0 | Not awarded[6] |
| 1960 | Minneapolis Lakers | Win | 4–3 | Not awarded[6] |
| 1961 | St. Louis Hawks | Win | 4–1 | Not awarded[6] |
| 1962 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–3 | Not awarded[6] |
| 1963 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–2 | Not awarded[6] |
| 1964 | San Francisco Warriors | Win | 4–1 | Bill Russell[145] |
| 1965 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–1 | Bill Russell[145] |
| 1966 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–3 | Bill Russell[145] |
| 1968 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–2 | Bill Russell[145] |
| 1969 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–3 | Bill Russell[145] |
| 1974 | Milwaukee Bucks | Win | 4–3 | John Havlicek[5] |
| 1976 | Phoenix Suns | Win | 4–2 | Jo Jo White[5] |
| 1981 | Houston Rockets | Win | 4–2 | Cedric Maxwell[145] |
| 1984 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–3 | Larry Bird[145] |
| 1985 | Los Angeles Lakers | Loss | 2–4 | N/A[145] |
| 1986 | Houston Rockets | Win | 4–2 | Larry Bird[145] |
| 1987 | Los Angeles Lakers | Loss | 2–4 | N/A[145] |
| 2008 | Los Angeles Lakers | Win | 4–2 | Paul Pierce[145] |
| 2010 | Los Angeles Lakers | Loss | 3–4 | N/A[145] |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors | Loss | 2–4 | N/A[145] |
| 2024 | Dallas Mavericks | Win | 4–1 | Jaylen Brown[145] |
Individual awards and honors
The Boston Celtics franchise has produced 10 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winners, the most of any team in league history, with Bill Russell accounting for five of those honors during the team's dominant 1950s and 1960s era.[147] Bob Cousy received the award in 1957 after leading the Celtics to their first NBA championship, averaging 20.6 points and 7.5 assists per game.[147] Russell followed with MVPs in 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1965, often anchoring the team's defense while contributing 14.7 rebounds per game across those seasons.[147] Dave Cowens won in 1973, averaging 20.5 points and 16.2 rebounds amid the Celtics' rebuilding phase.[147] Larry Bird claimed three straight MVPs from 1984 to 1986, peaking at 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game in 1984-85 while leading Boston to consecutive Finals appearances.[147]| Player | Year(s) Won |
|---|---|
| Bob Cousy | 1957 |
| Bill Russell | 1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965 |
| Dave Cowens | 1973 |
| Larry Bird | 1984, 1985, 1986 |
Hall of Famers
The Boston Celtics franchise holds the distinction of having the most inductees in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, with 38 players who appeared for the team enshrined as players.[154] This tally reflects the organization's 18 NBA championships and eras of dominance, particularly under coach Red Auerbach in the mid-20th century and during Larry Bird's tenure in the 1980s. Several coaches, executives, and contributors have also been honored primarily for their work with the Celtics. Prominent player inductees include Bob Cousy (1971), the playmaking guard who orchestrated six championships from 1957 to 1963; Bill Russell (1975), the defensive anchor of 11 titles between 1957 and 1969; Sam Jones (1983), a forward on 10 championship squads; John Havlicek (1984), known for his versatility across eight titles from 1966 to 1976; Dave Cowens (1991), the high-energy center who earned Finals MVP in 1974; Larry Bird (1998), whose scoring and passing fueled three championships in the 1980s; Robert Parish (2003), the durable center on three 1980s titles; Dennis Johnson (2010), the defensive guard on three straight Finals teams in the 1980s; Kevin McHale (2012), the post scorer on those same 1980s champions; Kevin Garnett (2020), acquired in 2007 to help secure the 2008 title; Ray Allen (2018), the sharpshooter on the 2008 and 2010 Finals teams; and Paul Pierce (2021), the franchise's longest-tenured star who led the 2008 championship run.[155] These players collectively embody the Celtics' emphasis on team defense, fundamentals, and clutch performance. Coaches and executives enshrined for Celtics contributions include Red Auerbach (1969), who compiled a 795-397 record and nine championships as head coach from 1950 to 1966 before transitioning to general manager; Tommy Heinsohn (2015 as coach), who won two titles as player (1957, 1974) and two as coach (1974, 1976) with a 590-451 record; Bill Russell (2021 as coach), who directed five championships from 1966 to 1973 after his playing career; and Bill Fitch (2019), whose 1981 championship team featured rookie Bird and ended an eight-year drought.[156] Earlier figures like John "Honey" Russell (1964, player-coach in the 1940s) and Alvin "Doggie" Julian (1968, coach of the 1947-48 BAA finalists) round out non-playing honorees.[156]Franchise statistical records
The Boston Celtics maintain the highest number of NBA championships among all franchises, with 18 titles won as of the 2024 NBA Finals. Their all-time regular-season record is 3,695 wins against 2,503 losses, for a .596 winning percentage across 78 completed seasons through 2024–25. In postseason play, the team holds a 429–320 record, reflecting participation in 62 playoff appearances. These figures underscore a historical dominance, particularly during eras led by figures like Red Auerbach, with sustained success evidenced by multiple 60-win seasons.[3][157] In regular-season performance, the Celtics' benchmark for success is the 1972–73 campaign, when they compiled a franchise-record 68 wins against 14 losses (.829 winning percentage) under coach Tom Heinsohn, en route to a conference finals appearance. The 1985–86 team matched closely with 67 wins and 15 losses (.817), securing the NBA title. The franchise has achieved 15 seasons of 60 or more regular-season victories, surpassing all other NBA teams; recent examples include 64 wins in 2023–24 and 61 in 2024–25. Lowest points allowed in a season occurred in 2007–08 at 95.3 per game, aligning with their championship run.[158][159]| Season | Record | Winning Pct. | Finish | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972–73 | 68–14 | .829 | Eastern Division 1st | Tom Heinsohn |
| 1985–86 | 67–15 | .817 | Atlantic Division 1st | K.C. Jones |
| 2023–24 | 64–18 | .780 | Atlantic Division 1st | Joe Mazzulla |
| 2007–08 | 66–16 | .805 | Atlantic Division 1st | Doc Rivers |
Retired numbers and traditions
The Boston Celtics have retired 23 jersey numbers, more than any other NBA franchise, honoring players, coaches, and executives for their contributions to the team's 18 championships.[7] These include numbers worn during the franchise's dominant eras in the 1950s–1960s and 1980s, as well as later figures from the 2008 title team.[163] In addition to numerical retirements, the team honors former coach Red Auerbach with a retired microphone emblazoned "LOSCY," referencing his courtside habit of summoning officials.[164]| Number | Honoree | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | Robert Parish | Center, 1980–1994 |
| 1 | Walter Brown | Original owner |
| 2 | Red Auerbach | Coach/President |
| 3 | Dennis Johnson | Guard, 1983–1990 |
| 5 | Kevin Garnett | Forward, 2007–2013; retired March 13, 2022[165] |
| 6 | Bill Russell | Center, 1956–1969; retired 1972, league-wide 2022[166] |
| 14 | Bob Cousy | Guard, 1950–1963 |
| 15 | Tom Heinsohn | Forward, 1956–1965 |
| 16 | Satch Sanders | Forward, 1960–1973 |
| 17 | John Havlicek | Forward/Guard, 1962–1978 |
| 18 | Dave Cowens | Center/Forward, 1970–1980 |
| 21 | Bill Sharman | Guard, 1951–1961 |
| 22 | Ed Macauley | Forward/Center, 1950–1956 |
| 23 | Frank Ramsey | Forward, 1954–1964 |
| 24 | Sam Jones | Forward, 1957–1969 |
| 25 | K.C. Jones | Guard, 1958–1967 |
| 31 | Not retired (worn by Reggie Lewis briefly, but 35 honored) | - |
| 32 | Kevin McHale | Forward, 1980–1993; retired January 30, 1994 |
| 33 | Larry Bird | Forward, 1979–1992 |
| 34 | Paul Pierce | Forward, 1998–2013; retired February 11, 2018[167] |
| 35 | Reggie Lewis | Forward, 1987–1993 (honorary) |
Personnel
Ownership and executive leadership
The Boston Celtics' ownership is held by an investor group led by William Chisholm, who acquired controlling interest (at least 51 percent) in a two-stage transaction valued at $6.1 billion, with the sale closing on August 19, 2025.[171][172] Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and private equity executive, assumed the role of governor, granting him primary decision-making authority on league matters.[173] The group's stake is set to increase further in 2028 per the agreement terms.[173] Former majority owner Wyc Grousbeck, who led the purchase of the franchise in 2002 and guided it through 17 seasons including the 2008 and 2024 NBA championships, retained a minority stake of approximately 13 percent and transitioned to co-owner, alternate governor, and chief executive officer under a five-year contract.[174][175] Grousbeck's role as CEO focuses on operational oversight, while Chisholm handles governance, reflecting a structured handover to maintain continuity amid the franchise's competitive success. In executive leadership, Brad Stevens serves as president of basketball operations, a position he has held since October 2021, overseeing player personnel, scouting, and strategic decisions that contributed to the 2024 championship and subsequent roster management.[176][177] Stevens, previously the team's head coach from 2013 to 2020, reports to ownership and collaborates with general counsel and assistant general managers to execute front-office functions.[178] This structure emphasizes data-driven decision-making and continuity from the prior regime under Grousbeck.[179]General managers
The Boston Celtics' general managers, responsible for player personnel decisions including drafts, trades, and signings, have varied in tenure and impact since the franchise's founding in 1946.[180] Red Auerbach held the role from April 27, 1950, to July 10, 1984, overseeing nine NBA championships through innovative drafting—such as selecting Bill Russell in 1956—and building team-oriented rosters that emphasized defense and fast breaks, with titles in 1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, and 1984.[180][181][182] Preceding Auerbach, Walter Brown managed operations from 1946 to April 27, 1950, as the team's founder and initial executive, guiding the early BAA/NBA transition but without securing a championship amid a 89–147 regular-season record.[180][183] Jan Volk served from July 10, 1984, to May 30, 1990, during which the Celtics won their 1986 championship with a roster anchored by Larry Bird, though the franchise began transitioning from its dynasty era, posting a 340–152 regular-season mark.[180][183] Dave Gavitt (May 30, 1990–June 14, 1994) and M.L. Carr (June 14, 1994–May 6, 1997) managed through rebuilding phases, with Gavitt achieving three playoff appearances but no titles (187–141 record) and Carr one playoff berth amid struggles (83–163 record).[180][183] Rick Pitino (May 6, 1997–January 8, 2001) and Chris Wallace (January 8, 2001–May 9, 2003) oversaw further downturns, with no playoffs or championships; Pitino's tenure yielded a 90–124 record focused on youth development, while Wallace managed a brief 129–117 stretch with two playoff appearances.[180][183] Danny Ainge directed operations from May 9, 2003, to June 2, 2021, revitalizing the team via the 2007 acquisitions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to pair with Paul Pierce, culminating in the 2008 championship and earning him NBA Executive of the Year honors that season, alongside 15 playoff appearances over an 806–633 regular-season record.[180][184][183] Brad Stevens, elevated to president of basketball operations on June 2, 2021, has engineered trades for Jrue Holiday in 2023 and Kristaps Porziņģis in 2023, bolstering the core of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to secure the 2024 NBA championship.[180][185][177]Head coaches
The Boston Celtics franchise has employed 19 head coaches since its founding in 1946, compiling an overall regular-season record of 3,695–2,502 (.596 winning percentage) through the 2025–26 season.[186] These coaches have guided the team to 18 NBA championships, with Red Auerbach accounting for nine titles during his tenure from 1950 to 1966, establishing a dynasty built on disciplined defense, fast-break offense, and player development under owner Walter Brown.[186] Subsequent coaches like Bill Russell, who became the first Black head coach in NBA history in 1966 while continuing to play, and K.C. Jones extended the success into the 1960s and 1980s, emphasizing team cohesion and leveraging Hall of Fame talent.[186][187] Later eras saw varied results, with Doc Rivers (2005–2013) delivering one championship in 2008 through veteran leadership and defensive schemes, though criticized for inconsistent playoff execution in subsequent years.[186] Brad Stevens (2013–2021) focused on analytics-driven strategies and youth development, posting a 354–282 regular-season mark but no titles amid roster transitions.[186] Joe Mazzulla, appointed in 2022 following Ime Udoka's departure, secured the 2024 NBA championship with a 182–65 regular-season record through 2025, emphasizing versatile lineups and three-point volume; he signed a multi-year extension on August 8, 2025.[186][188] The following table summarizes each coach's tenure, records, and achievements with the Celtics:| Coach | Tenure | Regular Season (W–L) | Win % | Playoffs (W–L) | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Russell | 1947–1948 | 42–66 | .389 | 1–2 | 0 |
| Alvin Julian | 1949–1950 | 47–81 | .367 | — | 0 |
| Red Auerbach | 1951–1966 | 795–397 | .667 | 90–58 | 9 |
| Bill Russell | 1967–1969 | 162–83 | .661 | 28–18 | 2 |
| Tom Heinsohn | 1970–1978 | 427–263 | .619 | 47–33 | 2 |
| Tom Sanders | 1978–1979 | 23–39 | .371 | — | 0 |
| Dave Cowens | 1979 | 27–41 | .397 | — | 0 |
| Bill Fitch | 1980–1983 | 242–86 | .738 | 26–19 | 1 |
| K.C. Jones | 1984–1988 | 308–102 | .751 | 65–37 | 2 |
| Jimmy Rodgers | 1989–1990 | 94–70 | .573 | 2–6 | 0 |
| Chris Ford | 1991–1995 | 222–188 | .541 | 13–16 | 0 |
| M.L. Carr | 1996–1997 | 48–116 | .293 | — | 0 |
| Rick Pitino | 1998–2001 | 102–146 | .411 | — | 0 |
| Jim O'Brien | 2001–2004 | 139–119 | .539 | 13–13 | 0 |
| John Carroll | 2004 | 14–22 | .389 | 0–4 | 0 |
| Doc Rivers | 2005–2013 | 416–305 | .577 | 59–47 | 1 |
| Brad Stevens | 2014–2021 | 354–282 | .557 | 38–40 | 0 |
| Ime Udoka | 2022 | 51–31 | .622 | 14–10 | 0 |
| Joe Mazzulla | 2023–present | 182–65 | .737 | 33–17 | 1 |
Current roster
The Boston Celtics' active roster for the 2025–26 NBA season, as of October 26, 2025, consists of 17 players across guard, forward, and center positions, blending veteran leaders with younger talent and recent additions via trades and free agency.[189][190]| No. | Player | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. (lbs) | Exp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Payton Pritchard | G | 6-1 | 195 | 5 |
| 28 | Hugo González | G | 6-6 | 200 | R |
| 13 | Ron Harper Jr. | G | 6-5 | 233 | 3 |
| 55 | Baylor Scheierman | G | 6-6 | 205 | 1 |
| 29 | Max Shulga | G | 6-4 | 210 | R |
| 4 | Anfernee Simons | G | 6-3 | 200 | 7 |
| 9 | Derrick White | G | 6-4 | 190 | 8 |
| 27 | Jordan Walsh | G | 6-6 | 205 | 2 |
| 7 | Jaylen Brown | G-F | 6-6 | 223 | 9 |
| 30 | Sam Hauser | F | 6-7 | 217 | 4 |
| 8 | Josh Minott | F | 6-8 | 205 | 3 |
| 0 | Jayson Tatum | F-G | 6-8 | 210 | 8 |
| 26 | Xavier Tillman | F | 6-8 | 245 | 5 |
| 99 | Chris Boucher | F | 6-8 | 200 | 8 |
| 77 | Amari Williams | F-C | 6-11 | 250 | R |
| 52 | Luka Garza | C | 6-10 | 243 | 4 |
| 88 | Neemias Queta | C | 7-0 | 248 | 4 |
Franchise leaders in key statistics
The Boston Celtics' all-time franchise leaders in key regular-season statistical categories reflect the contributions of legendary players across the team's history, with data encompassing games played from the 1946–47 season through the 2024–25 season.[191] John Havlicek leads in total points and games played, underscoring his durability and scoring prowess over 16 seasons from 1962–63 to 1977–78.[191] Bill Russell dominates rebounds, aligning with his defensive impact during the dynasty era.[191] Bob Cousy set the assists benchmark in the league's early years, while Robert Parish edges out Kevin McHale in blocks, highlighting frontcourt legacies.[191]| Category | Leader | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Points (PTS) | John Havlicek | 26,395[191] |
| Rank | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Paul Pierce | 24,021[191] |
| 3 | Larry Bird | 21,791[191] |
| 4 | Robert Parish | 18,245[191] |
| 5 | Kevin McHale | 17,335[191] |
| Category | Leader | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rebounds (TRB) | Bill Russell | 21,620[191] |
| Rank | Player | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Robert Parish | 11,051[191] |
| 3 | Dave Cowens | 10,170[191] |
| 4 | Larry Bird | 8,974[191] |
| 5 | John Havlicek | 8,007[191] |
| Category | Leader | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Assists (AST) | Bob Cousy | 6,945[191] |
| Rank | Player | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | John Havlicek | 6,114[191] |
| 3 | Larry Bird | 5,695[191] |
| 4 | Rajon Rondo | 4,474[191] |
| 5 | Paul Pierce | 4,305[191] |
| Category | Leader | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Steals (STL) | Paul Pierce | 1,583[191] |
| Rank | Player | Steals |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Larry Bird | 1,556[191] |
| 3 | Rajon Rondo | 990[191] |
| 4 | Marcus Smart | 914[191] |
| 5 | Robert Parish | 873[191] |
| Category | Leader | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks (BLK) | Robert Parish | 1,703[191] |
| Rank | Player | Blocks |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Kevin McHale | 1,690[191] |
| 3 | Larry Bird | 755[191] |
| 4 | Paul Pierce | 668[191] |
| 5 | Kendrick Perkins | 646[191] |
| Category | Leader | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played (G) | John Havlicek | 1,270[191] |
| Rank | Player | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Robert Parish | 1,106[191] |
| 3 | Paul Pierce | 1,102[191] |
| 4 | Kevin McHale | 971[191] |
| 5 | Bill Russell | 963[191] |
Facilities and Identity
Home arenas
The Boston Celtics played their first home game on December 30, 1946, at Boston Arena (now Matthews Arena), defeating the Chicago Stags in the franchise's inaugural contest.[192] The team then established the Boston Garden as its primary venue starting with the 1946–47 season, remaining there through the 1994–95 season.[192] The Garden, which opened in 1928, had a basketball seating capacity of 14,890 and hosted the majority of the Celtics' home games during an era that included 16 NBA championships.[193] During the Boston Garden years, the Celtics occasionally played select regular-season home games at the Hartford Civic Center (now PeoplesBank Arena) in Hartford, Connecticut, from the 1974–75 season through 1994–95, totaling 66 such contests.[194] These games served as a market test for NBA expansion in the region and a strategy to counter potential American Basketball Association (ABA) incursions into Connecticut.[195] The franchise shifted to the new TD Garden (initially named the FleetCenter) for the 1995–96 season, with the arena opening on September 30, 1995, adjacent to the site of the demolished Boston Garden.[196] TD Garden has a basketball capacity of 19,156 and is shared with the NHL's Boston Bruins; the Celtics signed a lease extension in 2021 to remain there through at least 2036.[197][198]| Arena | Primary Years Used | Basketball Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Boston Arena | 1946 (inaugural game only) | Not specified in records |
| Boston Garden | 1946–1995 | 14,890 |
| TD Garden | 1995–present | 19,156 |
Logos and branding evolution
The Boston Celtics' initial logo, introduced upon the team's founding in 1946, consisted of a green circle enclosing a white shamrock leaf, with the word "CELTICS" arched in white lettering above the symbol.[199][200] This design evoked Irish heritage, aligning with Boston's prominent Irish-American community and the team's nod to the Original Celtics, a precursor professional basketball club.[201] For the 1950–51 season, the franchise transitioned to a leprechaun emblem as its primary logo, depicting an animated figure dribbling a basketball while wearing a derby hat, green vest, and pants.[201][202] This character, embodying "Lucky the Leprechaun," replaced the shamrock and has defined the team's visual identity for over seven decades, with the design undergoing periodic refinements rather than wholesale overhauls. The leprechaun's enduring use underscores the Celtics' commitment to consistent branding rooted in ethnic symbolism, distinguishing it from franchises that frequently modernize logos for contemporary aesthetics.[203] Subsequent updates were incremental: a 1965 revision adjusted the leprechaun's pose and basketball styling; 1968 modifications refined facial details and clothing accents; and a 1993 iteration introduced subtle color shifts and line work enhancements.[201] In 1996, the palette evolved to emphasize deeper greens and blacks, aligning with uniform evolutions while preserving the core figure.[199] These changes maintained recognizability, supporting the brand's association with championship success—17 NBA titles as of 2024—without diluting historical continuity.[204] Branding elements, including the shamrock motif and Celtic knot-inspired wordmarks, have reinforced the logo's Irish theme across merchandise, arenas, and media. Team colors—primarily Kelly green, black, and white—originated in the 1940s and expanded with gold accents in alternate designs during the 1990s, reflecting adaptive yet tradition-bound evolution.[205] Recent initiatives, such as the 2023 "Different Here" motto mark, integrate modern typography with legacy symbols, appearing on banners and apparel to evoke resilience tied to the franchise's 78-year history.[206]Uniforms and design history
The Boston Celtics' uniforms have featured green and white as primary colors since the team's inception in the Basketball Association of America in 1946, reflecting the franchise's Irish heritage through shamrock motifs and Celtic-inspired designs. Home jerseys traditionally consist of white fabric with green trim, block lettering for "Boston Celtics" arched across the chest, and player numbers in green; away jerseys reverse the scheme with green fabric and white lettering.[207] [201] Early uniform designs from 1946 through the 1960s emphasized simplicity, with Medalist Sand-Knit as the manufacturer from 1951 to 1989, producing jerseys with minimal variations such as sleeve patches featuring evolving shamrock logos. The core aesthetic persisted through the dynasty eras, including the addition of subtle stripes or numbering tweaks in the 1970s, but avoided major overhauls to maintain tradition. Champion supplied jerseys from 1989 to 1997, followed by Nike until 2004, Reebok from 2004 to 2006, and adidas from 2006 to 2017, each era introducing fabric improvements and league-mandated elements like sponsor patches without altering the fundamental green-white palette or wordmark style.[208] [209] Nike's return in 2017 aligned the Celtics with the NBA's modern templates, including the white Association Edition for home, green Icon Edition for primary alternates, and black Statement Edition for contrast, all utilizing performance-oriented Vapor Untouchable materials. Special City Edition uniforms, debuted league-wide that season, have commemorated franchise milestones: the 2017–18 green design evoked classic shamrocks, while later iterations included black (2018–19), white heritage nods (2019–20), and gray alternates worn sparingly in select games. The 2024–25 City Edition shifts to a black base with Action Green accents, incorporating a weave pattern and pick-stitched side panels to symbolize the team's ongoing evolution from origins to championship contention.[208] [210] [204]Team traditions and symbols
The Boston Celtics' enduring symbols draw heavily from Irish heritage, reflecting the team's name origin and Boston's historical Irish immigrant population. The primary emblem is a green shamrock, introduced in the late 1940s as a simple white design to evoke Celtic roots and local cultural aura.[211] This motif appears on uniforms and equipment, symbolizing luck and pride, with the team's green-and-white color scheme reinforcing the Irish theme established by founder Walter Brown.[169] A iconic secondary symbol is the leprechaun logo, featuring a winking leprechaun spinning a basketball on his finger while holding a shamrock-topped shillelagh. Created in the late 1950s by Zang Auerbach, brother of coach Red Auerbach, it embodies good fortune and was prominently displayed at center court in the Boston Garden and later TD Garden.[212] The mascot, Lucky the Leprechaun, personifies this figure, performing acrobatic stunts and fan interactions at home games since debuting in person on October 29, 2003.[213] Team traditions center on "Celtic Pride," a motto encapsulating fierce loyalty to the franchise's winning legacy, defensive intensity, and communal spirit. Popularized in the 1970s through bumper stickers and player rhetoric, it underscores resilience amid challenges, as noted in contemporary accounts of the era's roster dynamics.[214] Rituals include pre-game invocations of historical dominance, such as referencing 18 NBA championships via rafter banners, fostering a culture of excellence tied to the Original Celtics influence and sustained success under figures like Red Auerbach.[215] This ethos manifests in fan rituals like communal celebrations of victories, emphasizing unyielding commitment over transient results.Media and Broadcasting
Television and radio coverage
NBC Sports Boston serves as the primary regional television broadcaster for Boston Celtics games, airing the majority of regular-season contests along with pregame, halftime, and postgame programming.[216][217] This arrangement, part of Comcast Spectacor's ownership of the regional sports network, provides comprehensive local coverage, including analysis from studio hosts and analysts.[216] Nationally, Celtics games appear on a rotating basis under the NBA's 11-year media rights deal effective from the 2025–26 season, which distributes broadcasts across ESPN/ABC (101 regular-season games league-wide), NBC/Peacock (100 games), and Amazon Prime Video (66 games).[218][219] The team is scheduled for 29 nationally televised regular-season games in 2025–26, fewer than the prior season's 34 due to factors such as key player injuries affecting viewer draw.[220] Specific matchups, such as the October 29 home game against Cleveland on ESPN, highlight marquee slots, with streaming availability on platforms like Peacock for NBC games and Prime Video for Amazon broadcasts requiring separate subscriptions.[221][219] On radio, 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) acts as the flagship station, carrying all games with play-by-play commentary and originating from studios in Boston.[222] The multi-year extension announced in October 2023 ensures continued coverage across the New England radio network, including affiliates in markets like Providence and Springfield, supplemented by SiriusXM for nationwide access.[223][224] This setup delivers detailed game calls and postgame shows, maintaining the station's role as a primary audio outlet since the partnership's inception in 2013.[225]Notable broadcasters and media impact
Johnny Most provided radio play-by-play commentary for the Boston Celtics from 1953 to 1990, becoming synonymous with the franchise's golden eras through his distinctive raspy voice and impassioned delivery.[1] His iconic call of "Havlicek stole the ball!" during John Havlicek's game-saving deflection in Game 7 of the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers captured a pivotal moment in NBA playoff history, replayed extensively and emblematic of the Celtics' dynasty under Bill Russell.[226] On television, Mike Gorman held the play-by-play role for 43 seasons from 1981 to 2024, announcing over 2,000 games and retiring after the Celtics' 118-84 playoff win over the Miami Heat on May 2, 2024.[227] Gorman partnered with Tommy Heinsohn, a Hall of Fame player and coach who served as color analyst from 1981 until his death in 2020, forming a duo that broadcast 39 seasons together and earned induction into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2016 for their insightful, fan-oriented analysis.[228] [229] Current radio coverage features Sean Grande on play-by-play since the 2001-02 season, paired with analyst Cedric Maxwell, marking Grande's 24th year with the team as of the 2024-25 season and establishing "Grande and Max" as a staple for away games and radio listeners.[222] The Celtics' broadcasters have amplified the franchise's media footprint, with long-serving voices like Most and the Gorman-Heinsohn tandem embedding team lore into regional and national consciousness, particularly during 1980s rivalries that boosted NBA viewership.[230] This enduring broadcast legacy has sustained high engagement, as evidenced by the team's status as the most-watched NBA franchise across numerous U.S. states in recent Nielsen data, underpinning frequent national TV slots.[230]Season Records
Regular season performance overview
The Boston Celtics franchise has recorded 3,756 wins against 2,524 losses in the regular season (.598 winning percentage) over 79 seasons from 1946–47 through 2024–25.[3] This marks the second-highest winning percentage in NBA history among teams with at least 1,000 games played, trailing only the pre-merger Baltimore Bullets. The team holds the league record with 35 division titles, including nine consecutive from 1957 to 1965 and streaks in later eras.[231] Historically, the Celtics' regular season dominance peaked during the Bill Russell era (1956–1969), where they averaged 58.5 wins per 82-game equivalent season and secured multiple 60-win campaigns, underpinning 11 championships in 13 years. The 1980s Larry Bird period saw resurgence with a franchise-record-tying 68 wins in 1972–73 (.829 winning percentage) and 67 in 1985–86, though the latter yielded a championship. Conversely, the post-Bird 1990s featured nadir performances, including a 15–67 mark in 1996–97 (.183), the worst in franchise history. In recent decades, the Celtics have reestablished elite consistency, posting 60-plus wins in 2023–24 (64–18) and 2024–25 (61–21), marking the fourth instance of consecutive 60-win seasons and the first since 1985–86 and 1986–87.[84] These efforts secured Atlantic Division crowns in both years and the second-best Eastern Conference record in 2024–25.[1] Overall, the franchise has logged 15 seasons with 60 or more regular-season victories, the most in NBA history, reflecting sustained excellence despite periods of rebuilding.[232]Postseason history and playoff records
The Boston Celtics hold the NBA record with 18 championships, achieved across 23 Finals appearances, alongside 62 total playoff appearances—the second-most in league history. Their all-time postseason record stands at 429 wins and 320 losses, reflecting a .573 winning percentage in playoff games. These figures underscore a franchise legacy defined by sustained excellence, particularly in extended series where depth, defense, and star leadership have repeatedly proven decisive.[3][77][157] In their inaugural 1946–47 season as a Basketball Association of America (BAA) franchise, the Celtics captured the league title by defeating the Chicago Stags 4–1 in the finals, a victory recognized in NBA championship counts. Transitioning to the NBA in 1949, early playoff success was sporadic until the arrival of center Bill Russell in 1956. From 1957 to 1969, under coach Red Auerbach (later player-coach Heinsohn), the Celtics dominated with 11 championships in 13 seasons, including an unmatched eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966. This era featured 12 Finals trips, with losses only in 1958 (to St. Louis Hawks) and 1967 (to Philadelphia 76ers), driven by Russell's defensive prowess—averaging 22.5 rebounds per game in playoffs—and contributions from Bob Cousy, Sam Jones, and John Havlicek. The dynasty's run ended amid roster aging and competition from expansion teams, but it established benchmarks like a 79–29 playoff series record during the span.[6][233][145] The 1970s marked a transitional period of rebuilds and flashes of contention, yielding two titles: 1974 (defeating Milwaukee Bucks 4–3, led by Dave Cowens and Havlicek) and 1976 (over Phoenix Suns 4–2, with Jo Jo White earning Finals MVP). However, frequent early exits followed Russell's retirement, including first-round losses in 1971 and 1975, as the team navigated free agency and trades amid league expansion. The 1980s revival under Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, coached by K.C. Jones, produced three championships (1981 over Houston Rockets 4–2; 1984 over Lakers 4–3; 1986 over Rockets 4–2) across six Finals appearances (1981, 1984–86, 1987–88). Bird's scoring (24.4 playoff average) and rivalries, notably with Lakers, defined this era's intensity, though injuries and retirements led to a 1990s drought with no playoff series wins from 1992 to 2001.[6][5][145] The 2000s acquisition of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce in 2007–08 formed a "Big Three" that ended the title drought, defeating the Lakers 4–2 for the 17th championship under Doc Rivers, with Pierce as Finals MVP. Subsequent Finals losses in 2010 (to Lakers 4–3) and ECF defeats preceded roster shifts, yielding inconsistent results until the 2010s rebuild under Danny Ainge. From 2017 onward, young cores featuring Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown reached the ECF six times in eight seasons (2018, 2020–22, 2024), including Finals losses in 2022 (to Warriors 4–2). The 2024 title, an 18th banner, came via a 4–1 Finals win over the Mavericks, with Brown earning MVP amid a league-best 16–3 playoff run emphasizing three-point volume and defensive switching. This modern era has seen 28–12 postseason record since 2022, highlighting continuity in drafting and trades.[6][145][80]| Category | Record/Details |
|---|---|
| Championships | 18 (1947, 1957, 1959–1966, 1968–1969, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008, 2024)[77] |
| Finals Appearances | 23 (win percentage: 78.3%)[234] |
| Conference Titles | 23 Eastern Division/Conference[162] |
| Playoff Series Wins | 94 of 138 (68.1%)[162] |