Jim Loscutoff

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Lore & Background

Loscutoff's professional journey began with immediate impact. In his rookie year, he set a then-Celtics record by grabbing 26 rebounds in a game. His defining moment arrived during the 1957 NBA Finals against the St. Louis Hawks. In Game Seven of a double-overtime thriller ending 125–123, Loscutoff sank the final two free throws to secure Boston's first championship. Although a knee injury sidelined him for most of the 1957–58 season, he worked closely with Auerbach on his rehabilitation and returned to win six more titles through 1964. Often described as the team's "hatchet man," his strength and defensive intensity operated alongside Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell, forming the backbone of one of the league's greatest defensive units.

In Their Own Story

The organization deeply wished to honor Loscutoff by retiring his jersey number 18. However, Loscutoff declined the traditional retirement, insisting that the number remain available for a future Celtic player rather than hanging permanently in the rafters. True to his word, he never saw his name added to the banner display alongside other legends. Instead, the Celtics created a unique tribute: they added a special banner bearing only his nickname, "Loscy," among the retired numbers. The number 18 was eventually retired in honor of another great, Dave Cowens, but Loscutoff's selfless decision remains a singular story in Boston history.

Reader's Guide

After retiring from playing, Loscutoff transitioned into coaching. He led the basketball team at Boston State College from 1964 to 1976, compiling a remarkable record of 219–92 with the Warriors. In November 1980, he took on a new challenge as head coach of the New England Gulls in the Women's Professional Basketball League, the first women's pro league in the United States. His tenure was brief; after coaching six games, all resulting in losses, he was replaced by assistant Dana Skinner in early January 1981. Less than a month later, the franchise folded due to financial difficulties. Loscutoff spent his later years living in Florida and Andover, Massachusetts, where his family operates a day camp.

Did You Know?

• Loscutoff's parents were Spiritual Christian Molokans from Russia.
• He set an Oregon school record with 32 rebounds in a single game, a mark that still stands.
• In the 1957 NBA Finals Game Seven, he made the final two free throws to win the Celtics' first championship.
• He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1980.
• Loscutoff died on December 1, 2015, from complications of Parkinson's disease and pneumonia.