Kevin McHale

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Lore & Background

McHale's dominance in the low post reached its peak during the 1986–1987 season. He set career highs in scoring at 26.1 points and rebounding at 9.9 per game while becoming the first player in NBA history to shoot 60 percent or better from the field (60.4%) and 80 percent or better from the free-throw line (83.6%) in the same season. His physical play was equally legendary; in Game 4 of the 1984 NBA Finals, he delivered a hard foul to Kurt Rambis that sparked a bench-clearing scuffle, helping Boston tie the series and eventually win in seven games. Before joining the starting lineup full-time in February 1985 after Cedric Maxwell's injury, McHale established himself as a dynamic bench force, winning consecutive NBA Sixth Man of the Year awards in 1984 and 1985.

In Their Own Story

On March 3, 1985, against the Detroit Pistons, Kevin McHale delivered one of the most explosive scoring nights in franchise history. He poured in 56 points, setting a Celtics' single-game scoring record. The brilliance did not stop there; just two nights later, he scored 42 points against the New York Knicks. These back-to-back efforts totaled 98 points, a consecutive game scoring record that still stands today. This offensive explosion occurred as McHale transitioned into a starting role following Cedric Maxwell's knee injury. The momentum continued when Larry Bird set a new team single-game scoring mark of 60 points just nine days after McHale's 56-point performance, showcasing the duo's ability to dominate simultaneously.

Reader's Guide

McHale's career path was defined by pivotal trades and role adjustments. Originally selected with the third overall pick acquired from Golden State in a pre-draft deal involving Robert Parish, he initially backed up Cedric Maxwell as a sixth man. The trade of Maxwell to the Clippers prior to the 1985–1986 season cleared the way for McHale's full-time starter role, unlocking the legendary "Big Three" frontcourt with Bird and Parish. This unit led the Celtics to a league-best 67–15 record in 1986 and a championship. After retiring following the 1992–1993 season due to injuries, McHale's legacy was cemented by his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame and selections to both the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.

Did You Know?

• Dominique Wilkins famously called McHale "A Man With a Thousand Moves" due to his unguardable post game.
• McHale holds the Celtics record for most points scored in two consecutive games (98), achieved with 56 points against Detroit and 42 against New York.
• He became the first player in NBA history to shoot at least 60% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line in the same season (1986–1987).
• McHale was named Minnesota Mr. Basketball in his senior year of high school before leading his team to a state championship runner-up finish.
• As a rookie, McHale threatened to play in Italy during a contract holdout before signing a three-year deal with the Celtics.