Let's Go Celtics

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The Celtics' rise began in the late 1950s under coach Red Auerbach, who acquired Bill Russell in 1956. Alongside Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn, they won their first title in 1957. This core, joined by future Hall of Famers like John Havlicek, Sam Jones, and K.C. Jones, fueled a dynasty that won eight straight championships from 1959 to 1966. In 1968, Russell became the team's player-coach, making history as the first African American head coach in any U.S. sport, leading back-to-back titles before retiring in 1969. Decades later, a new 'Big Three' of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett was assembled in 2007, delivering the 17th championship in 2008 under Doc Rivers.

In Their Own Story

The franchise experienced a resurgence in the mid-1970s with championships in 1974 and 1976 led by Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White. The 1980s brought renewed dominance anchored by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, who won titles in 1981, 1984, and 1986 while engaging in a fierce rivalry with the 'Showtime' Lakers. Following the departures of these stars and tragic losses like Len Bias and Reggie Lewis, the team struggled through the 1990s and early 2000s. The path to glory reopened when the Celtics drafted Jaylen Brown in 2016 and Jayson Tatum in 2017. Led by 'The Jays', they returned to the NBA Finals in 2022, losing to the Golden State Warriors, before defeating the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 to secure their historic 18th title.

Reader's Guide

Fans supporting the Celtics engage with a history rich in specific moments and records. The team name and mascot 'Lucky the Leprechaun' honor Boston's Irish population and the early 20th-century Original Celtics barnstorming team. A defining rivalry exists with the Los Angeles Lakers, who hold 17 championships; the teams have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning nine of those series. The franchise boasts 41 Basketball Hall of Fame members and holds the NBA record for most MVP awards won by its players (10). Notably, four specific players—Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Larry Bird—have each won the Most Valuable Player award.

Did You Know?

• The Celtics hold the record for the most consecutive NBA championships, winning eight in a row from 1959 to 1966.
• Bill Russell became the first African American head coach in any United States sport when he took over as player-coach in 1968.
• The team signed Chuck Cooper in 1950, becoming the first NBA franchise to draft a black player.
• In May 2025, the Celtics were sold for $6.1 billion, which was briefly the highest valued sports franchise transaction in North America before being surpassed by the Lakers later that year.