Green Jersey Tradition

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Celtics' rise began in the late 1950s after acquiring Bill Russell in 1956. Led by Russell, Bob Cousy, and Tom Heinsohn, they won their first NBA championship in 1957. The team won eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, then back-to-back titles in 1968 and 1969 after Russell became player-coach and the first African American head coach in any U.S. sport. After Russell retired in 1969, the Celtics rebuilt and won championships in 1974 and 1976 under Tom Heinsohn. In the 1980s, anchored by the 'Big Three' of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, they won titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986. After a period of struggle, a new 'Big Three' of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett won the 2008 championship. Led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 for their 18th championship.

In Their Own Story

Under the arena lights, the emerald number on a player's chest feels heavier than usual—a physical manifestation of every championship banner hanging from the rafters. Taking a deep breath amidst the roar of the crowd chanting for 'Celtics,' a veteran realizes he isn't just playing for himself; he is wearing the history of Boston. In that moment, the fabric connects him to generations of greats who stood on this exact spot, passing down a legacy from Russell's blocks to Bird's dunks and Tatum's drives.

Reader's Guide

The Celtics' home games are played at TD Garden in Boston. The team's name and mascot 'Lucky the Leprechaun' nod to Boston's historically large Irish population and the Original Celtics, a barnstorming team from the early 20th century. The Celtics have a notable rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, having played them a record 12 times in the NBA Finals and defeating them nine times. 41 members of the Basketball Hall of Fame have played for the Celtics. Four Celtics players have won NBA MVP: Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Larry Bird. In May 2025, the team was sold to William Chisholm for $6.1 billion, the highest ever valued transaction for a sports franchise in North America at the time, though later surpassed by the Lakers' sale.

Did You Know?

• The Celtics have won 18 NBA championships, the most in league history.
• Bill Russell won 11 NBA titles as a player, the most by any NBA player.
• The Celtics won eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966, the longest championship streak in U.S. professional sports history.
• The team was sold in May 2025 for $6.1 billion, the highest ever valued transaction for a North American sports franchise at the time.