Today in Boston Celtics history, we celebrate a trio of unforgettable moments that have shaped the legacy of this iconic franchise. From championship glory to record-breaking performances, these dates remind us why the Celtics are synonymous with greatness.
In 1968, Hall of Famer Bill Russell secured his final NBA title as player-coach of the Boston Celtics, leading the team to a 124-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the Finals. John Havlicek was the star of the night, dropping 40 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Bailey Howard chipped in 30 points and 11 boards, and Larry Siegfried added 22 points and 6 assists. This win marked the Celtics' 10th championship banner—a milestone that began during Russell's rookie season. It was also the first title won without legendary general manager Red Auerbach as head coach, and it made history as the first championship in modern U.S. sports led by a Black head coach, with games extending into May for the first time.
Fast forward to 1981, and the Celtics delivered another classic. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston erased a double-digit deficit to edge the Philadelphia 76ers 91-90. Larry Bird led the charge with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals, while Cedric Maxwell added 19 points and 6 boards, and Robert Parish contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. The Celtics would go on to defeat the Houston Rockets 4-2 in the NBA Finals, securing their 14th championship banner.
More recently, in 2009, the Celtics clinched a hard-fought 109-99 Game 7 victory over the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference first round. This series was defined by grueling overtime battles, making this win a welcome relief. "Oh, my God. Overtime after overtime after overtime," center Glen Davis said via the Associated Press, reflecting on the change of pace.
And who could forget Isaiah Thomas's emotional 53-point explosion in 2017? On what would have been his sister Chyna's 23rd birthday, IT led the Celtics to a 129-119 playoff win over the Washington Wizards, delivering a performance that will forever be etched in Celtics lore. These moments remind us that the Celtics' legacy is built on resilience, heart, and unforgettable performances.