Boston Celtics (1946-Present)

Historical Moments:
1946/47: On June 6th, 11 men who owned large arena or hockey teams met to discuss the formation of a new professional basketball league. Among the men there at the formation of the Basketball Association of America was Walter Brown, who ran the Boston Garden. Browns team would borrow form the legacy of the Celtics a barnstorming team that helped spur the growing popularity of basketball in the 1920's and 30's. On November 5th the Celtics made their debut at the Boston Garden in front of 4,329 fans. The game would be delayed an hour when the wooden backboard was damaged during a practice dunk during warm-ups. After the backboard was repaired the Celtics fell to the Chicago Stags by a score 57-55. The Celtics would go on to finish their inaugural season with a 22-38 record tied with Toronto Huskies for last place.

1947/48: Despite struggling again to finish with a 20-28 record After falling in Game 1 to the Stags 79-72 in Chicago the Celtics forced a decisive 3rd game with a 81-77 win on the Parquet Floor at the Boston Garden. However, with series deciding game back in Chicago the Celtics would fall 81-74.

1948/49: With new Coach Alvin "Doggie" Julian, the Celtics struggle continue as they finished in 5th place missing the playoffs with a 25-35 record.

1949/50: With the BAA absorbing the NBL, the BAA becomes the National Basketball Association. In Boston the Celtics continue to struggle as they finished in last place with a 22-46 record.

1950/51: With NBA reducing itself from 17 to 11 teams the Celtics were able to take advantage landing star center Ed Macauley who had stared with defunct St. Louis Bombers. In addition the Celtics hired Coach Red Auerbach who had led the Washington Capitols to the Finals 2 years earlier. In addition the Celtics landed rookie Bob Cousy after the New York Knickerbockers and Philadelphia Warriors passed on him. Cousy performed better then expected averaging 15.6 ppg, while Macauley led the way with a20.4 ppg as the Celtics posted their first winning season finishing in 2nd place with a solid 39-30 record. However in the playoffs the Celtics would be stunned by the New York Knickerbockers losing 2 straight in the Eastern Semifinals.

1951/52: With the acquisition of Bill Sharman and the continued impressive play of Bob Cousy the Celtics put together another solid season finishing in 2nd place with a 39-27 record. However, in a rematch with New York Knickerbockers the Celtics would fall in 3 games losing the decisive 3rd game in overtime by a score 88-87 at the Boston Garden.

1952/53: The Celtics continue to be among the elite teams in the East finishing out of 1st place by a half of game with a 47-24 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would win their first every playoff series dispatching the Syracuse Nationals in 2 straight. However for the 3rd year in a row the Celtics season would be ended by the New York Knickerbockers as they fell in Eastern Division Finals 3 games to 1.

1953/54: The Celtics continue to put together solid season finishing in 2nd place again with a 42-30 record. After beating the New York Knickerbockers twice in a round robin series in the first round the Celtics are bounced by the Syracuse Nationals in 2straight in the Eastern Finals.

1954/55: With the shot clock increasing scoring the Celtics become the first team to average 100 points per game. However they would allow a league worse 101.5 as they finished in 3rd place with a 36-36 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would knock off the New York Knickerbockers in a hard fought 3-game series before falling to the Syracuse Nationals in 4 games during the Eastern Finals.

1955/56: The Celtics defensive woes continues as they led the league in scoring while allowing the most points for the second year in a row as they finished in 2nd place with a 39-33 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would make another quick exit falling to the Syracuse Nationals in 3 games. Following the season the Celtics would trade star center Ed Maculey to the St. Louis Hawks in exchange for the rights to 2nd round draft pick Bill Russell.

1956/57: While the Celtics awaited the arrival of Rookie Center Bill Russell who was helping to lead Team USA to the an Olympic Gold in Melbourne, Australia, the team relied on Rookie forward Tom Heinsohn, and Bob Cousy to get off to a 16-8 start. Upon his arrival Russell revolutionized the game with his ability to make rebounds and block shots to ignite a fast break, as the Celtics defensive problems became a thing of the past. The Celtics would go on to finish with the best record in the NBA at 44-28 as Bob Cousy was named MVP, and Tom Hiensohn Rookie of the Year. In the Eastern Conference Finals the Celtics made quick work of the Philadelphia Warriors sweeping them in 3 straight games. In the Finals the Celtics were matched up against the St. Louis Hawks, whom they made a blockbuster deal in the off-season with. In the finals for the first time the Celtics would get off to a rocky start losing Game 1 at the Garden in overtime 125-123. After rebounding to win Game 2 at home the Celtics found themselves on the ropes losing Game 3 in ST. Louis. After even the series in Game 4 the Celtics were poised for their first Championship with a 124-109 win in Game 5. However, a 7th game was needed after the Hawks won on a buzzer beating tip in from Cliff Hagan. With Game 7 back in Boston the Celtics and Hawks each refused to quit, as they game battled on into a second overtime. In the closing seconds Jim Loscutoff gave the Celtics a 2-point lead from the free throw line. The lead would hold up as Bob Pettit's desperate shot hit the rim as time ran out, giving the Celtics their first ever Championship.

1957/58: With Bill Russell wining the MVP award the Celtics tear through the league claiming the best record for the second straight season at 49-23. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics would get off to a fast start claiming the first 3 games before knocking off the Philadelphia Warriors in 5 games. Facing the St. Louis Hawks in the Finals for the 2nd year in a row, the Celtics found themselves in another hard fought battle as the two teams spilt the first 4 games. However, playing without Bill Russell who injured his ankle in Game 3 the Celtics dropped Game 5 at home 102-100. Russell returned for Game 6, but was ineffective as Bob Pettit poured in 50 points to lead the Hawks to a 110-109 win for the Championship.

1958/59: After a 2-year stint in the army K.C. Jones joined the Celtics rounding the Celtics out into a complete team with a fierce back court, as the Celtics led the NBA in field goals made, rebounds, assists, and points per game to finish with a dominate 52-20 record. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics had surprisingly hard time with Syracuse Nationals needing 7 games to reach the Finals for the 3rd year in a row. In the Finals the Celtics would find things much easier as they swept the Minneapolis Lakers sin 4 straight, to claim their 2nd title in 3 years.

1959/60: The Celtics' success continued, as each of the 5 starters; Frank Ramsey, Tom Heinsohn, Bill Russell, Bill Sharman, and Bob Cousy averaged better than 15 ppg. In addition they had a bench that included solid contributions from Sam Jones, K. C. Jones, and Gene Conley, as they reeled of 17-straight wins during the season on the way to a dominant 59-16 record. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics Bill Russell would out duel Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors as the Celtics advanced to the Finals in 6 games. In the Finals the Celtics found themselves in another battle with St. Louis Hawks. Once again the two-team would split the first 4 games, with the Celtics claiming Game 5 by 25 points. However, the Celtics would be pushed to a 7th game, as the Hawks won Game 6 by 3 points. In Game 7 at the Boston Garden Bill Russell took over pulling down 35 rebounds as the Celtics won their 3rd Championship in 4 years with a 122-103 win.

1960/61: With virtually the same team the Celtics once again run away with best record in the NBA as Bill Russell wins his 2nd MVP with during a 57-22 record. In the playoffs the Celtics dominance would continue as they knocked off the Syracuse Nationals in 5 games during the Eastern Finals. In the NBA Finals the Celtics faced the S. Louis Hawks again, but this time it was a cake walk as the Celtics claimed their 3rd straight title and 4th in 5 season in 5 games.

1961/62: Despite the retirement of Bill Sharman the Celtics continued to dominate the NBA finishing with best record at 60-20 as Bill Russell won his 3rd MVP award. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics found themselves in a war with Wilt Chamberlain and the Philadelphia Warriors. With Chamberlain averring 50.4 ppg, and 25.7 rebounds a game the Warriors pushed the Celtics all the way to a 7th game. In Game 7 the Celtics would need dramatic game winning shot by Sam Jones with 2 seconds left to finally get passed the Warriors. In the Finals things would not get easier as the Celtics found themselves on the ropes down 3-2 games to the Los Angeles Lakers. In Game 6 in LA, the Celtics summoned up all their pride to force a 7th game. Back on the Parquet floor in Game 7 the Celtics found themselves in another war as the game went to overtime. In OT the Celtics finally were able to pull away winning their 4th straight Championship with a 110-107 win.

1962/63: Prior to the season Bob Cousy announced he would be retiring following the season. However, with the addition of Rookie John Havlicek it was clear the Celtics were ready for the future. With transition begging the Celtics continued their dominance once again finishing with the league's best record at 58-22, as Bill Russell won his 3rd straight MVP. In the playoffs the Celtics once again battled their way into the NBA Final beating back a tough challenge from the Cincinnati Royals in 7 games. In the NBA Finals the Celtics would get off to a fast start grabbing a 3-1 series lead on the way to beating the Los Angeles Lakers for their 5th straight Championship.

1963/64: Despite the retirement of Bob Cousy the Celtics were still the best team in NBA all year as they finished with a league best 59-21 record. In the playoffs the Celtics seemed to get stronger as they knocked off the Cincinnati Royals in 5 games to make their 8th straight NBA Finals. In the NBA Finals the Celtics would have no problem defeating Wilt Chamberlain and the San Francisco Warriors in 5 games for their 6th straight Championship, which was also their 7th in 8 years.

1964/65: Prior to the start of the season the Celtics lose their founder as Walter Brown passes away. Dedicating their season to Brown the Celtics come flying out of the gate winning their first 11 games on the way to another dominating season. Bill Russell would win his 5th straight MVP as the Celtics finished with a 62-18 record. However, in the playoffs the Celtics found themselves in a battle with the Philadelphia 76ers, who acquired Wilt Chamberlain in the middle of the season. With the two teams alternating wins the series went to a 7th game. In Game 7 the Celtics appeared to be in good shape leading by 7 points with 2 minutes left. However the 76ers would cut the lead to 1 point and when Bill Russell's errant inbound pass hit the basket support the 76ers had the ball and a chance to win the game with only a few second left. However, John Havlicek would save the day stealing the ball and dribbling out the clock, as the Celtics found themselves in the finals for the 9th year in a row. In the Finals the Celtics would have no problem beating the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games for their 7th straight Championship and 8th in 9 years.

1965/66: Age begins to catch up with Celtics as Tom Heinsohn retires prior to the season, as 3 of their starters find themselves over the age of 30. The Celtics would battle the Philadelphia 76ers all season for the best record in the NBA falling 1 game short with a 54-26 record. Playing in the first round for the first time in 10 years the Celtics reign looked to be on the ropes as hey faced elimination in Game 4 against the Royals in Cincinnati. The Celtics Championship pride would not let them fall as they took the next 2 to set up an Eastern Division Final with the 76ers. Surprisingly the Celtics would dominate beating the Wilt Chamberlain led 76ers in 5 games for a trip to their incredible 10th straight NBA Finals. In the Finals the Celtics would grab a 3-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Lakers would battle back to force a 7th game. In Game 7 the Celtics would once again do just enough to win their unprecedented 8th straight Championship with a 95-93 win. Following the Celtics 9th title in 10 years Red Auerbach would retire from coaching to focus solely on running the team from the front office.

1966/67: With Red Auerbach stepping down as coach Bill Russell is named player-coach. Under Russell the Celtics would put together a solid 60-21 record finishing in 2nd place. In the playoffs the Celtics would beat the New York Knicks 3 games to 1 to set up an Eastern Finals rematch with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in the finals the Celtics would finally be knocked off their throne as they fell to the 76ers in 5 games.

1967/68: The Celtics championship core continues to depart as K.C. Jones retires prior to the start of the season. Without Jones the aging Celtics would post a solid 54-28 finishing in 2nd place. In the Playoffs the Celtics would knock off the Detroit Pistons in 6 games to advance to the Eastern Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers, who had clearly taken over the Celtics position as the dominate team in the NBA. The Celtics appeared to be going down quickly as they found themselves down 3 games to after 2 brutal losses at the Boston Garden. The Celtics pride would take over winning their next 3 games to advance to the NBA Finals. In the Finals the Celtics would reclaim the throne beating the Los Angels Lakers in 6 games.

1968/69: The sun appears to set on the Celtics dynasty as they barley make the playoffs by finishing in 4th place with a 48-34 record. In the playoffs the Celtics needed all their pride to muster to stun the Philadelphia 76ers in 5 games. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics found the fountain of youth again knocking off the New York Knicks in 6 games for their 12th Final Appearance in 13 years. Facing the Los Angeles Lakers who had added Wilt Chamberlain prior to the season the Celtics were a heavy under dog in the NBA Finals. After losing the first 2 games in LA the Celtics got back in the series by taking the next 2 games on the hallowed floor of the Boston Garden. After losing Game 5 in LA, the Celtics forced a 7th game with a 99-90 win at home. With Game 7 back in Los Angeles the Celtics chances did not look to good before the game, as an itinerary for the Lakers post game celebration circulated through the building. The itinerary found it way into the hands of Celtics Player-Coach Bill Russell, who was playing in his final game. The Celtics would use the itinerary to fire them up as they too a 17-point lead into the 4th Quarter. The Lakers would make a last desperate run but the Celtics had just enough to hold the Lakers off for a 108-106 win. It was the Celtics 11th Championship in 13 years establishing a pro sports mark they will likely never be challenged.

1969/70: With Bill Russell retired, Tom Heinsohn returns to take over the coaching reigns of a Celtics team that was a shell of its former self. Besides the retirement of Russell the Celtics missed playmaker Sam Jones who retired after 13 seasons, as the Celtics missed the playoffs for the first time in 20 years by finishing in 6th place with a 34-48 record.

1970/71: With the addition of Center Dave Cowens who claims the Rookie of the Year award the Celtics return to contention missing the playoffs with a 3rd place 44-38 record in the Atlantic Division, that was better the either of the playoff teams from the Central Division.

1971/72: John Havlicek has one of his finest seasons finishing 3rd in scoring with 27.5 ppg, as the Celtics win the Atlantic Division with a 56-26 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would make quick work of the Atlanta Hawks knocking them off in a 6 games. However in the Eastern Finals the Celtics would be stunned by the New York Knicks falling in 5 games.

1972/73: With Dave Cowens winning the NBA MVP with 23.8 ppg the Celtics set a new franchise record for wins on the way to a league best 68-14 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would knock of the Atlanta Hawks in 6 games to set up an Eastern Finals rematch with the New York Knicks. However, once again the Knicks would give the Celtics all they could handle jumping out to a 3-1 series lead. However, the Celtics would solve finally solve the Knicks forcing a 7th game at the Boston Garden. However, not even the parquet floor could save the Celtics as they are blown out by the Knicks 94-78.

1973/74: Led by a balanced attack reminiscent of the glory days the Celtics win their 3rd straight Division Title with a solid 56-26 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would advance to the Eastern Finals by beating the Buffalo Braves in 6 games. Facing the New York Knicks for the 3rd year in a row, the Celtics would finally make it back to the by beating the Knicks easily in 5 games. Facing the Milwaukee Bucks led by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the finals the Celtics found themselves in one of the greatest Finals ever played. With 2 teams splitting the first 4 games the Celtics appeared to be heading for another Championship after beating the Bucks in Milwaukee in Game 5. However, in the closing seconds of overtime of Game 6 at the Boston Garden Kareem forced a 7th game by hitting a hook shot with 3 seconds left. Back in Milwaukee for Game 7 the Celtics would win their 12th NBA title by beating the Bucks 102-87, as Dave Cowens was named Finals MVP.

1974/75: Despite losing Center Dave Cowens for 2 months with a broken foot, the Celtics easily win the Atlantic Division with a 60-22 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would quickly get past the Houston Rockets in 5 games for another trip to the Eastern Finals. However in the Eastern Finals the Celtics would be shot down by the Washington Bullets in 6 games.

1975/76: Despite an uncharacteristically weak bench, the Celtics finished in 1st place in their division with a 54-28 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would reach by the NBA Finals by beating the Buffalo Braves and Cleveland Cavaliers each in 6 games. Matched up against the Phoenix Suns in the finals the Celtics would jump out quickly winning the first 2 games at the Boston Garden. However, the Celtics would suffer a drought in the desert losing 2 in Phoenix. With Game 5 back in Boston the Celtics were clearly in a must win situation. Up by 5 with less than a minute left the Celtics were pushed to overtime single handily by Paul Westphal. After the 1st overtime ended in a tie the Celtics appeared to have the game locked up when John Havlicek's basket with 2 second left gave the Celtics a 1-point lead. The lead would be stretched to 2 when Paul Westphal was hit with technical foul for calling timeout when none were left. However, the foul would give the Suns another chance and Gar Heard would send the game to a 3rd overtime with a dramatic last second shot. However, the Celtics would not be fazed as they won what would later be called the greatest game in NBA history by a score of 128-126. The Celtics would go on to win the series and their 13th Championship in 6 games with an 87-80 win as Jo-JO White was named Finals MVP.

1976/77: Coming off their NBA Championship the Celtics struggle through injuries to finish in 2nd place with a 44-38 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would beat the San Antonio Spurs in 2 straight in the preliminary round. However, in the 2nd round the Celtics would be eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in 7 games.

1977/78: The Celtics would stumble out of the gate losing 23 of their first 34 games when Coach Tom Heinsohn is fired and replaced by Tom Sanders. Sanders would not fare much better as the Celtics finished in 3rd place with a disappointing 32-50 record missing the playoffs.

1978/79: Prior to the start of the season the Celtics are involved in a complicated change that sees them swap owners with Buffalo Braves. Taking over the Celtics was John Brown, while the unpopular Irv Levin took over the Braves moving them to San Diego. The deal included a complicated 7-player trade in which Boston acquired Tiny Archibald, Billy Knight, Marvin Barnes, and 2 future draft choices and San Diego received Freeman Williams, backup center Kevin Kunnert, and power forwards Kermit Washington and Sidney Wicks. Most importantly, Boston retained the draft rights to Indiana State star Larry Bird. However despite the wheeling and dealing the Celtics endured a terrible season finishing in last place with a 29-53 record, as the Dave Cowens experiment as player-coach fails.

1979/80: The arrival of Larry Bird makes the Celtics an instant contender more then doubling their previous year's win total to finish with a league best 61-21 record. Bird would earn Rookie of the Year honors by averaging 21.3 ppg. Also earning honors was new Coach Bill Fitch who took home the Coach of the Year award, which bears the name of legendary Celtics Coach Red Auerbach who was instrumental in rebuilding the team back into contenders. In the playoffs after a 2-year absence the Celtics make quick work sweeping the Houston Rockets in 4 straight. However, in the Eastern Finals the Celtics would be tripped up by the Philadelphia 76ers in 5 games.

1980/81: After falling to the Philadelphia 76ers the Celtics felt they needed a stronger presence in the middle so they acquired Center Robert Parrish from the Golden State Warriors. The trade would become more important after Dave Cowens suddenly announced his retirement. In addition to Parrish the Celtics would get the number 3-draft pick, which they used to select Forward Kevin McHale. The moves would pay off as the Celtics finished with a 62-20 record tied with the 76ers for the best record in the NBA. In the Playoffs the Celtics would have no problem dispatching the Chicago Bulls in 4 straight. However, in the Eastern Finals the Celtics looked to be going down again as they trailed the 76ers 3 games to 1. However, the Celtics Pride would manifest itself as they forced a 7th Game at the Boston Garden with back-to-back 2-point wins. In Game 7 the Celtics would rally again and would make the NBA Finals on Larry Bird's clutch game winning shot in the finals seconds. In the finals the Celtics had a surprisingly hard time against the Houston Rockets as they split the first 4 games. In the end the Celtics would prove the superior team easily winning Games 5 and 6 for their 14th Championship.

1981/82: The Celtics continued to be the class of the NBA winning the Atlantic Division for the 3rd year in a row with a league best 63-19 record. However, after shooting down the Washington Bullets in 5 games the Celtics are stunned by the Philadelphia 76ers in 7 games.

1982/83: Things were not going smoothly for the Celtics who dropped out of first despite a solid 56-26 record, as dissension among the players and Coach Bill Fitch seemed to affect the team's play. IN the playoffs the Celtics need the full 3 games just to beat back a challenge from the Atlanta Hawks in the preliminary round. The Celtics lackluster play continued into the next round as the Celtics are swept by the Milwaukee Bucks. Following the season Fitch would be fired, former backcourt playmaker K.C. Jones was named later named to replace him.

1983/84: With hopes to improve the team's backcourt the Celtics acquire Dennis Johnson from the Phoenix Suns. The move would pay instant dividends as the team's offense seemed to flow better during a league best 62-20 season that saw Larry Bird walk away with his first MVP award. Under the newly expanded playoff format the Celtics would quickly get past Washington Bullets 3 games to 1. However, in the 2nd round the Celtics would need a full 7 games to beat back a surprisingly strong challenge from the New York Knicks. In the Eastern Finals the Celtics would avenge the previous season by knocking of the Milwaukee Bucks in 5 games. The NBA Finals would be a nostalgic affair as the Celtics took on the Los Angeles Lakers. The centerpiece of the rivalry's revival would be Larry Bird facing off against Magic Johnson, who he dueled with in the 1979 NCAA Championship Game. Since ten the 2 stars were at the forefront of the NBA's growing popularity. After dropping Game 1 at the Boston Garden the Celtics needed overtime to even the series in Game 2. However, the Celtics struggles continued in Game 3, leading Bird to question his teammates' manhood. The Celtics seemed to respond right away as they beat the Lakers 129-125 in overtime in game that featured several fights. Back in Boston for Game 5 the Celtics took control of the series with an 18-point win. However, the Celtics would need a nail-biting win in Game 7on the Parquet Floor for their 15th Championship.

1984/85: The entire regular season seemed to be a prelude to a Celtics-Lakers finals rematch as the Celtics posted a league best 63-19 record, as Larry Bird took home his 2nd straight MVP. In the playoffs the Celtics would slide past the Cleveland Cavaliers in 4 games. In the 2nd round the Celtics continued to cruise as they beat the Detroit Pistons in 6 games, moving on to the Eastern Finals the Celtics dominance continued as the beat the Philadelphia 76ers in 5 games. Facing the Lakers in the finals the Celtics got off to a fast start as they beat LA by 34 points in Game 1. However, the Lakers would rebound to win the next 2. After the Celtics won Game 4 in Los Angeles the Lakers claimed Game 5which was held in LA under the new 3-2-3 playoff format. Needing a win in Game 6 the Celtics dominance of they Lakers came to an end, as they were unable to stop Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a 111-100 loss on the Parquet Floor.

1985/86: Larry Bird has his finest season as he walks away with his 3rd straight MVP award, while pacing the Celtics to an incredible league best 67-15 record. Along the way the Celtics would lose just 1 game at home posting an incredible 40-1 record on the Parquet Floor of the Boston Garden. In the playoffs the Celtics dominance continued as they deflected a playoff record 63-point game from Michael Jordan on the way to a 3-game sweep of the Chicago Bulls. In the 2nd round it was almost as easy as the Celtics needed just 5 games to shutdown the Atlanta Hawks. By the time the Eastern Finals rolled around it was clear that nothing was going to stop the Celtics as they dominated the Milwaukee Bucks in a 4-game sweep. In the Finals the Celtics would face the Houston Rockets who came of a stunning upset of the Los Angels Lakers. The Celtics would quickly grab control of the series winning the first 2 games over the Rockets at home. After losing Game 3 in Houston the Celtics grabbed a 3-1 series lead with a 106-103 win in Game 4. After dropping Game 5 in Houston the series shifted back to Boston for a coronation the Celtics 16th Championship, with possibly their best overall team.

1986 Draft: The Boston Celtics were clearly the class of the NBA winning 16 NBA Championships in 30 years. Keeping a dynasty going that long, a team must continually make shrewd deals to bring in young players. Coming off the glorious 1986 Championship the Celtics seemed to do it again as an earlier trade with Seattle Supersonics resulted in the 2nd overall draft pick, which the Celtics used on can't miss Len Bias who was expected to becomes an instant star in the NBA. However, Bias would never win a Celtics uniform as he died just 2 days after the draft celebrating his fortune with a cocaine binge that led to a fatal overdose.

1986/87: Despite the tragic death of Len Bias the Celtics continue to be among the best teams in the NBA as they win the Atlantic Division with a 59-23 record. However, by the time the playoffs rolled around injuries would begin to take a toll. The fatigue factor would not be an issue in the first round as the Celtics swept the Chicago Bulls in 3 straight. However, the Celtics would barely survive a 7-game series with Milwaukee Bucks in the 2nd round. Moving on to the Easter Finals the Celtics would find things even tougher as they split the first 4 games with the Detroit Pistons. With Game 5 in Boston the Celtics clearly needed a win, but with 5 seconds left the Celtics trailed by 1 point, needing to make a clutch play as the Pistons set to inbound the ball. With Isaiah Thomas in bounding the ball Larry Bird comes out of nowhere to pick off feeding Dennis Johnson who gave the Celtics a dramatic 1-point win. Despite the dramatic win the Celtics would still need a hard fought Game 7 win to advance to the NBA Finals. In the Finals the Celtics were matched up against the Los Angeles Lakers. However with a banged up team the Celtics were no match for the Lakers losing the first 2 games in Los Angeles. After winning Game 3 in the Boston Garden the Celtics needed to win Game 4 to even the series. However, the fatigued Celtics would watch helplessly as the Lakers completed a 4th Quarter comeback on Magic Johnson's baby hook shot with 3 seconds left. After winning Game 5 the Celtics would fall to Lakers in 6 games.

1987/88: Age was not a barrier for the Celtics as they won the Atlantic Division with a solid 57-25 record despite playing wit a team whose average age was over 30. In the playoffs the Celtics would easily knock off the New York Knicks in 4 games. However, in the 2nd Round the Celtics would need the full 7 games just to escape a hard fought series against the Atlanta Hawks. However, in the Eastern Finals there would be no miracle this time around as they fell to the Detroit Pistons in 6 games.

1988/89: With K.C. Jones stepping down the Celtics were now coached by Jimmy Rogers. However, not even the great Red Auerbach could have saved them from their troubles after Larry Bird was forced to the sidelines after foot surgery just 6 games into the season. Without Bird the Celtics struggled just to make the playoffs as the 8th seed with a 4:2-40 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would make a quick exit as they were swept by the Detroit Pistons in 3 straight.

1989/90: With Larry Bird returning the Celtics rebound to finish in 2nd place with a solid 52-30 record. In the playoffs the Celtics looked ready to make a serious run as they jumped out a to a 2-0 series lead over the New York Knicks. However, the Celtics would collapse losing 3 straight including Game 5 on the Parquet Floor at the Boston Garden.

1990/91: With Larry Bird experiencing back problems new Coach Chris Ford decides to rearrange the offense to be more of a fast break style centering around Reggie Lewis and Brian Shaw. The new strategy seemed to work as the Celtics won the Atlantic Division with a 56-26 record. In the playoffs the Celtics would struggle just to get passed the Indiana Pacers in 5 games. However, in the 2nd Round the Celtics just did not have enough steam as they fell to the Detroit Pistons in 6 games.

1991/92: Despite Larry Bird, and Kevin McHale missing significant time during the season the Celtics win the Atlantic Division with a solid 51-31 record. Leading the way for the Celtics is Reggie Lewis who averages 20.8 ppg, leading the Celtics to 15 wins in their last 16 games. In the playoffs the Celtics continued to roll as they beat the Indiana Pacers in 4 games. However, in the 2nd Round the Celtics would fall in 7 games to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following the season, Larry Bird who only played in 4 playoff games, and sparingly with the dream team in the Olympics announces his retirement.

1992/93: Without Larry Bird the Celtics struggle out of the gate losing 8 of their first 10 games. However, as the season wore on the Celtics started to play better, and by posting a 36-17 record after January 1st the Celtics made the playoffs by finishing in 2nd Place with a 48-34 record. However in the playoffs the Celtics would be stunned by the Charlotte Hornets in 4 games. During the playoffs rising star Reggie Lewis collapsed on the court, and was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Despite doctor's warnings Lewis would attempt to make a comeback in the off-season, on July 27th while working out in Boston, he would suffer cardiac arrest and pas away shortly afterward. He was only 27.

1993/94: In addition to the tragic death of Reggie Lewis the Celtics would see the retirement of Kevin McHale leaving behind a team that was a shell of its former glory, as the Celtics missed the playoffs for the first time in 15 years with a 32-50 record. Following the season Robert Parrish would be allowed to walk away via free agency.

1994/95: In the final year of basketball at the Boston Garden the Celtics struggles continue. However despite a poor 35-47 record the Celtics would sneak into the playoffs as the 8th seed. In the playoffs the Celtics would be dominated by the Orlando Magic, falling in 4 games, which included losses in the final 2 games at the Boston Garden.

1995/96: A new era begins for the Celtics as they move into a state of the art new arena known as the Fleet Center. However, the magic was clearly gone for the Celtics who suffered through a terrible 33-49 record under new coach M.L. Carr.

1996/97: Celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of the NBA's original franchise the Celtics suffer through their worst season in franchise history finishing in last place with an awful 15-67 record. The lone bright spot is the play of Rookie Antoine Walker who averages 17.5 ppg, 3rd best among all rookies. Following the season the Celtics would hire Walker's former college Coach Rick Pitino, installing him as both coach and GM, and introducing him as the savior for the once great franchise.

1997/98: The Rick Pitino era in Boston began with a bang as they stunned the Chicago Bulls on opening night 92-85. However, with the youngest team in the NBA the Celtics experience more losses then wins missing the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row with a 36-46 record.

1998/99: The Celtics continued to build with youth as they selected Paul Pierce with 10th overall pick in the draft. Pierce would get off to a fast start as he was named Rookie of the Month in February, after the season was delayed by a 3-month lockout. However, the Celtics would still struggle to finish with a 19-31 record as fans began to get restless with Rick Pitino's slow growth.

1999/00: In the 3rd year of the Rick Pitino era the Celtics seem to be going nowhere as fans and the media began to show their impatience with the struggling franchise who finished out of the playoffs again with a 35-47 record.

2000/01: The Celtics struggles continue as they get off to a 12-22 start, when a frustrated Rick Pitino resigns. Before he left Pitino seemed to scald the fans and press who were his harshest critics saying Larry Bird and Kevin McHale were not walking through the door. However, Pitino did build a solid nucleus and under new Coach Jim O'Brien the Celtics showed some promise playing .500 the rest of the way to finish with a 36-46 record.

2001/02: In Jim O'Brien's first full season as head coach the Celtics finally rise to their potential playing solid basketball all season on the way to their best record in 10 years to finish in 2nd place at 49-33. In the playoffs for the first time in 7 years the Celtics would show signs of their old glory days as they blowout the Philadelphia 76ers in a deceive 5th Game at the Fleet Center. Moving on to the 2nd Round the Celtics overcome a Game 1 loss to the Pistons in Detroit to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 14 years with 4 straight wins. After spilling the first 2 games of the Eastern Finals against the Nets in New Jersey the Celtics faces a 2-1 deficit as they trailed the Nets by 23 points entering the 4t Quarter in Game 3 at the Fleet Center. However that old Celtic Pride would not let them go down without a fight as Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker took over and dominated the 4th Quarter as the Celtics won the game completing the biggest comeback in NBA Playoff history. However, in the end the Celtics would not have enough as they lost the next 3 games and the series in 6 games.

2002/03: Hoping to improve the team following a trip to the Conference Finals the Celtics acquired Vin Baker from the Seattle Supersonics for Kenny Anderson. However, Baker struggled early and by the middle of the season was off the team as he struggled with substance abuse. However, due to the stellar play of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker the Celtics remained a playoff contender finishing in 3rd place and qualifying for the playoffs for the second straight season with a record of 44-38. In the playoffs the Celtics got off to a fast start against the Indiana Pacers as Paul Pierce scored 21 points in the 4th Quarter of Game as the Celtics rallied to win on the road 103-100. The Celtics would go on to establish a 3-1 series lead, before finishing off the upset of the Pacers in 6 games. However, in the second round the Celtics season would come to a crashing end as they were dominated in a 4-game sweep by the New Jersey Nets.

2003/04: Just as the season was ready to start the Celtics now run by GM Danny Ainge made a stunning trade shipping Antoine Walker and Tony Delk off to the Dallas Mavericks for Raef LaFrentz, Jiri Welsch, Chris Mills and a lottery pick. None of whom made any noticeable contribution for the Celtics as they got off to a shaky start. The trade also started a rift between Coach Jim O'Brien and Ainge which would get worse after the Celtics acquired Ricky Davis from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Eric Williams at the end of January, which would lead to the resignation of O'Brien. With assistant John Carroll taking over on the bench for the rest of the season the Celtics won just 3 games in February as they fell behind in the playoff chase. When Danny Ainge stated that the Celtics were better off missing the playoffs. The statement seemed to motivate the lackadaisical Celtics who got back in the playoff picture with a 9-4 March. Despite struggling down the stretch the Celtics would make the playoffs as the 8th seed with a less then stellar record of 36-46. In the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers the Celtics would make a quick exit as they lost all 4 games by double digits.

2004/05: Playing under new Coach Doc Rivers the Celtics would get off to a mediocre start as they held a 13-16 of December. However in the Atlantic Division awash with mediocrity they were right in the race for first place. After more mediocre play in January the Celtics began to play better in February sliding above .500 at the trade deadline the Celtics would reacquire Antoine Walker from the Atlanta Hawks for Gary Payton who the Hawks would release and would return to the Celtics with in a few weeks, which would later prompt a NBA rule change. The move to acquire Walker had an immediate effect as the Celtics won 10 of their next 11 to cease control of the Atlantic Division, as they won their first Division title in 13 years with a record of 45-37. In the playoffs the Celtics would face the Indiana Pacers, and would start off strong winning Game 1 at home 102-82 However the Pacer would bounce back to win the next 2 games. Faced with falling behind 3-1 the Celtics had a solid team effort in stunning the Pacers on the road 110-79. However they would lose the momentum at home losing Game 5. With their season on the line the Celtics stayed alive with a dramatic 92-89 win in overtime on Antoine Walker's clutch shooting to force a 7th game at home. However home does not mean what it used to for the Celtics and it showed in a disappointing 97-70 loss as the Celtics unraveled in the 2nd half.

2005/06: Coming off their surprise division championship the Celtics started slowly as fans began to become frustrated with General Manager Danny Ainge, who failed to re-sign Gary Payton and Antoine Walker. The much younger Celtics would quickly fall below .500 and never were a factor in the playoff race. As the struggles continued the Celtics continued to retool trading Ricky Davis, Mark Blount, Marcus Banks, Justin Reed, and two conditional 2nd round draft picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for forward Wally Szczerbiak, centers Michael Olowokandi and Dwayne Jones, and a 1st round pick. Szczerbiak would play well in Boston, but it would end up being a lost season for the Celtics as they finished in 3rd place with a disappointing record of 33-49.

2006/07: Just days before the season started the Celtics were dealt an emotional blow, when their patriarch Red Auerbach died at the age of 89. Auerbach had build the Celtics into a dynasty coaching them to nine title in a ten year span including eight in a row, then as President, building championship teams in the 70s and 80s. When the season started the days of Red Auerbach seemed like a distant memory as the Celtics lost six of their first seven games, on the way to a 5-13 start. In December the Celtics started to play better as they embarked on a five game winning streak. However, after losing Paul Pierce to a foot injury the Celtics crumbled, winning just 3 of their next 42 games, including a franchise record 18-game losing streak that lasted from January 5th to February 14th, as they plunged into last place. Adding to the pain was the loss of another Celtics legend Dennis Johnson, who suffered a heat attack on February 22nd at the age of 52, while coaching the Celtics NBDL affiliate the Austin Toros. When Pierce returned the Celtics played better, winning five of six games in early March. A few weeks later on St. Patrick's Day the Celtics got the Irish sprit with in them as they stunned the eventual NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs on the road 91-85. However, nagging injuries would continue to hamper Paul Pierce who sat out all of April as the Celtics finished with a horrible 24-58 record that was the worst in the Eastern Conference. As the Celtics finished with a terrible record focus turned to the draft lottery where the Celtics were confident they could land one of the top two picks, allowing them to land either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. However, even the draft lottery came out all wrong for the Celtics who ended up settling for the 5th Pick. With fans angry at General Manager Danny Ainge, there came a sense of desperation to fix the Celtics franchise, so an attempt was made to land Kevin Garnett from the Minnesota Timberwolves, at first Garnett too spurned the Celtics, who was in a hopeless situation in Minnesota and saw Boston as being in even great disrepair. However, Ainge did not give up trading the 5th overall pick along with Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West to the Seattle Super Sonics in exchange for Ray Allen and the 35th overall pick, which they used to draft Glen Davis of LSU. The Allen trade led to a change in perception of the Celtics, and a change of heart for Garnett who would accept a deal to Boston, who sent Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair to the Timberwolves in return, thus turning the Celtics from hopeless to Championship contenders virtually overnight.