1964 NBA Finals Game 5 vs San Francisco Warriors

Lore & Background

The 1964 championship was the sixth of eight straight titles for the Celtics. The team was led by coach Red Auerbach and featured Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, and other future Hall of Famers. The Celtics became the first NBA team to field an all African-American starting lineup on December 26, 1964, with Willie Naulls replacing an injured Heinsohn.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Boston Garden hung heavy with anticipation and the scent of floor wax. Wilt Chamberlain stood at the free-throw line, his massive frame casting a long shadow over the hardwood, but Bill Russell was already there, eyes locked on the rim, ready to deny the board. The crowd roared as K.C. Jones drove baseline, drawing two defenders before kicking it out to Sam Jones in the corner. The shot swished through the net, a quiet counterpoint to the thunderous noise of the arena. Wilt looked around, frustrated, realizing that no single move could break this wall of green. In that moment, the game ceased to be about one man's dominance and became a symphony of six men moving as one.

Reader's Guide

The 1964 NBA Finals Game 5 was played at the Boston Garden. The Celtics' victory secured the series 4–1. This was the sixth championship for the franchise, and the sixth of eight consecutive titles won under coach Red Auerbach.

Did You Know?

• The Celtics' eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966 is the longest championship streak in U.S. professional sports history.
• Bill Russell won 11 NBA titles in 13 seasons, the most by any NBA player.
• Red Auerbach retired as head coach after the 1965–66 season, not after 1964.