Boston Celtics - The 70 Year Anniversary by Caitlin McEvoy

elcome to this very special commemorative issue of the Boston Celtics magazine. The 2016/17 season marks 70-years of the Boston Celtics since being founded in 1946. Throughout these past 70-years the Celtics have won, they have lost, they’ve risen from the ashes and strived to be the best the NBA has to offer. This issue is a celebration of all they have accomplished in their history. Looking at the people who were part of the journey, the hall of famers and their retired jerseys are remembered. Of course it wouldn’t be sports without a rivalry, and the Celtics wouldn’t be as acclaimed and successful as they are today without their iconic inter-conference rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers. Take a trip down memory lane and revisit the best of the big three eras and the memorable seasons off the Paul Pierce era. Boston has had a phenomenal 70-years and there’s no doubt among the players, coaches, managers and fans that they will continue to live up to the legacy they have spent so long building. Congratulations on 70-years, and here’s to seventy more.

THE GREATEST BIG THREES IN CELTICS HISTORY A retrospective look back at four of Boston’s iconic trios

THE PAUL PIERCE ERA The man behind Boston’s modern day success

LEGENDS IN NUMBERS A yearbook of the Boston Celtics hall of famers

THE NBA’S GREATEST RIVALRY

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry is one for the history books

THE SEVENTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY

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WELCOME TO THE GARDEN The synonymous parquet floor is iconic and makes the Boston Celtics’ house a home

by 5’ and 1.5” thick and they were he parquet floor that held together by wood planks and dawned the floors of brass screws that were connected by the Boston Garden 988 bolts. In order to put the floor was as synonymous together, it took a team of many two with the establishment and a half hours. as the Green Monster is with Fenway Many opposing players and coaches Park. complained about the hodgepodge How did this oddly patterned floor, as they claimed it had dead spots. surface come to fruition? Red Auerbach claimed the floor wasn’t In 1946 Celtics owner Walter Brown nearly as bad as the floor at Madison funded the construction of a new Square Garden, but he said that didn’t floor for the team to play on. The stop him from using that notion to his floor, which cost about $11,000, was advantage. set in the Boston Arena (currently When the team moved to the the Mathews Center home of the Fleet Center in 1995, they brought Northeastern Huskies). the parquet with them. The floor was The East Boston Lumber Company officially retired in 1999, as it was used scrap wood, originally cut in disassembled. Many of the pieces were Tennessee for World War II purposes, sold as memorabilia and parts of it as the material were integrated for the floor. The into the new floor. WHEN THE CELTICS scraps used during When you think MOVED TO THE a lumber shortage of the Garden, after the war were GARDEN IN 1952, the picture of pieced together the mosaic floor THE FLOOR WENT in an alternating immediately WITH THEM. pattern in order comes to mind. When you think to get the most of the Celtics and their famed decades out of the material they had. When the of dominance, the famous plays that Celtics moved to the Garden in 1952, come to mind have the backdrop of the floor went with them. the parquet. Each of the 247 pieces were 5’

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WALTER BROWN

ARNOLD AUERBACH

DENNIS JOHNSON

•Number retired October 17, 1964

•Number retired January 4, 1985

•Number retired Dember 13, 1991

The founder and first owner of the Boston Celtics franchise...Owned the Celtics from 1946 through 1964...Passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Cape Cod house on September 7, 1964... Born on February 10, 1905...Also was the owner of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, and President of the Boston Bruins hockey team...was instrumental in the creation of the first NBA AllStar Game in 1951, which was played in the Boston Garden.

The number signifies the fact that Auerbach is second only to Walter Brown as the most significant person in the history of the Boston Celtics organization...Was Head Coach of the team from 1950-51 through 1965-66, winning nine NBA world championship titles, that included eight straight from 1958-59 through 1965-66...He went on to serve as President and General Manager, leading the Celtics to an additional seven NBA championships.

“DJ” played for the Celtics for seven seasons, from 1983 through 1990. He helped lead the Celtics to a pair of NBA world championship titles in 1984 and 1986. Was also a member of the Seattle SuperSonics world championship team in 1979, and earned Most Valuable Player honors that year in post-season play. Was named to the All-NBA second team in 1980. Was named an All-NBA first team member in 1981.

BILL RUSSELL

JOJO WHITE

BOB COUSY

•Number retired March 12, 1972

•Number retired April 9, 1982

•Number retired October 16, 1963

Regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Russell anchored the Celtics teams that won nine, eight in succession, NBA world championship titles in 1957 and from 1959 through 1966, and two more in consecutive seasons in 1968 and 1969. A five-time NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1965). A 12-time NBA All-Star in his 13-year career, missing the team in his rookie year (1956-57).

JoJo White was the point guard who led the Celtics offense and propelled the 1974 and 1976 teams to NBA World Championship titles. Was a member of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team in 1968. Played for the Green and White from 1969-70 to the 1978-79 season. Named to the 1970 NBA All-Rookie team. Named to the All-NBA second team in both 1975 and 1977. Was a seven-time NBA All-Star.

One of the greatest playmakers and passers in NBA history, Cousy spent all 13 NBA seasons with the Celtics. Nicknamed “Cooz” and “The Houdini of the Hardwood”. Helped lead the Green and White to six NBA world championship titles in 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1963. Was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1957. Was a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection (1952 through 1961). Was a 13-time NBA All-Star (tied with John Havlicek for the most in Celtics history).

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TOM HEINSOHN

TOM SANDERS

JOHN HAVLICEK

•Number retired October 15, 1966

•Number retired January, 1973

•Number retired October 13, 1978

Tommy was chosen as the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1957. He helped the Celtics capture eight NBA world championship titles (1957 and 1959 through 1965) in his nine-year playing career, all with the Celtics. Was Head Coach of the Celtics for nine years from 1969-70 through 1977-78, and guided the Celtics to two more NBA titles in 1974 and 1976. Was the NBA Coach of the Year in 1973. Was a six-time NBA All-Star (1957 and 1961 through 1965).

“Satch” played 13 seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics. Helped to lead the Green and White to eight NBA world championship titles from 1960-61 through 1965-66 and again in 1967-68 and 1968-69. Named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1968-69. Ranks sixth all-time in Celtics history in Games Played with 916, 7th in rebounds with 5,798 and 10th in Minutes Played with 22,164. Was Head Coach of the Celtics for part of the 1977-78 season and the 1978-79 campaign.

Played 16 NBA seasons, all with the Celtics. Helped to lead the Green and White to eight NBA world championship titles from 1963 through 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976. Was the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1974. Named to the All-NBA First Team four times from 1971 through 1974. A seven-time All-NBA Second Team member in 1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975 and 1976. Was NBA All-Defensive First Team for five consecutive seasons.

DAVE COWENS

DON NELSON

BILL SHARMAN

•Number retired February 8, 1981

•Number retired in 1978

•Number retired October 15, 1966

Played for the Celtics from 1970-71 through 197980 season. Was the NBA co-Rookie of the Year in 1971. Was on the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1971. Was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1973. Helped to lead the Celtics to two NBA world championship titles in 1974 and 1976. Was an All-NBA second team member in 1973, 1975 and 1976. Was NBA All-Defensive first team in 1976. Was NBA AllDefensive second team in 1975 and 1980. Seventime NBA All-Star from 1972-1976.

“Nellie” was an 11-year veteran of the Celtics, playing for the Green and White from 1965-66 through 1975-76. He helped to lead the Celtics to five NBA world championship titles in 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976. Was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1983, 1985 and 1992. Named One of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History in 1996. Ranks 8th all-time in Celtics history in Games Played with 872, and 10th in Rebounds with 4,517.

Played ten seasons with the Celtics, from 1951-52 through 1960-61, and helped lead the Green and White to four NBA world championship titles in 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1961. Was on the All-NBA first team four consecutive seasons, from 1956 through 1959. Was on the All-NBA second team in 1953, 1955 and 1960. 8-time NBA All-Star, from 1953 through 1960. Was the 1955 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player. Named to the NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time team in 1970. BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 9

ED MACAULEY

FRANK RAMSEY

SAM JONES

•Number retired October 16, 1963

•Number retired January 4, 1982

•Number retired March 9, 1969

“Easy Ed” was one of the Celtics first superstars... Was a member of the Celtics for six seasons, from 1950-51 through 1955-56...Was on the All-NBA first team in 1951, 1952 and 1953. Was on the All-NBA second team in 1954. 6-time NBA All-Star. Was the 1951 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player - in the first ever All-Star Game, which was played at the Boston Garden on March 2, 1951. Elected to the Naismith Memorial basketball Hall of Fame in 1960.

The “Kentucky Colonel” played nine seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics. He revolutionized basketball by becoming the Celtics original “sixth man”. He helped lead the Green and White to seven NBA world championship titles in 1956-57 and from 1958-59 through 1963-64. Led the Celtics in games played in 1958-59 and in 1960-61. Led the team in Free Throws Made in 1957-58. Elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1981.

Sam was named, “Mr. Clutch” by his teammates and peers for his consistent and all-around skills. Played 12 seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics, from 1957-58 through 1968-69. Helped lead the Green and White to 10 NBA world championship titles in 1959, 1960 through 1966, 1968 and 1969. Named to the All-NBA second team from 1965 through 1967. Was named to the NBA’s 25th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1970 and One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA.

K.C. JONES

CEDRIC MAXWELL

KEVIN McHALE

•Number retired February 12, 1967

•Number retired December 15, 2003

•Number retired January 30, 1994

Played 9 seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics, from 1958-59 through 1966-67. Helped lead the Green and White to 8 straight NBA world championship titles from 1959 through 1967. He led the Celtics in Assists for three consecutive seasons, 1963-64 through 1965-66, and currently ranks 7th all-time in Celtics history in this category with 2,904 career assists. After retiring as a player in 1967, he later went on to coach the Celtics from 1983-84 to 1987-88.

Cedric Maxwell, affectionately know to his teammates and friends as, “Max”, became the 22nd and most recent Celtics great to have his number retired...Also nicknamed “Cornbread”... Cedric, Boston’s top pick (the 12th pick overall) in the 1977 NBA Draft (from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte), played eight seasons for the Celtics, from 1977 through 1985... in 1979 and 1980, he led the NBA in field goal percentage... in 1978-79.

Played 13 seasons in the NBA, all the with Celtics, from 1980-81 through 1992-93. Helped lead the Green and White to three NBA world championship titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986. Was an All-Rookie team member in 1981. Was All-NBA first team in 1987. Was the NBA’s Sixth Man award winner in 1984 and 1985...Was a seven-time NBA All-Star. Was NBA All-Defensive first team member three straight seasons from 1986 through 1988.

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A HISTORY OF CHAMPIONSHIPS The History of the Boston Celtics This was the first NBA franchise ever to draft an African-American player. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be continuing our series of the most successful sports franchises with a look at the Boston Celtics.

LARRY BIRD

REGGIE LEWIS

•Number retired February 4, 1993

•Number retired March 22, 1995

Played 13 seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics, from 1979-80 through 1991-92. Helped to lead the Celtics to three NBA world championship titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986. Was the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player in 1984 and 1986. Was the NBA Most Valuable Player for three consecutive seasons from 1984 through 1986. Was the 1980 NBA Rookie of the Year. Was NBA All-Rookie team member in 1980. Was a All-NBA first team member nine straight seasons.

Played six seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics, from 1987-88 through 1992-93...Was a quiet yet wellrespected leader...Started 352 career games...Was an NBA All-Star in 1992...Was named the NBA Player of the Week on April 13, 1992...Was the team captain in 1992-93...Led the team in Minutes Played and Points three consecutive seasons from 1990-91 through 1992-93...Is the only player in Celtics history to have 100 rebounds, 100 assists, 100 steals and 100 blocked shots in a season.

ROBERT PARISH

JIM LOSCUTOFF

•Number retired January 18, 1998

•Number retired January 4, 1985

“The Chief ” played 21 seasons in the NBA - the career record for most seasons played by an NBA player - and 14 with the Green and White, from 1980-81 through 1993-94. Holds the NBA record for most games played with 1,611. Helped to lead the Celtics to three NBA world championship titles in 1981, 1984 and 1986.Was All-NBA second team in 1982. Was All-NBA third team in 1989. Was a nine-time NBA All-Star, including seven consecutive seasons.

“Loscy” was a hard-nosed standout for the Celtics, playing all nine NBA seasons with the Green and White. Helped lead the Celtics to seven NBA world championship titles, including six straight from 1958 through 1963-64. Had, perhaps, his best season in 1956-57 in helping lead the Celtics to their first title, by averaging 10.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. He asked that his jersey number (#18) not be retired so that a future Celtic could wear it.

Early Days Founded in 1946, the Boston Celtics joined the Basketball Association of America before the creation of the National Basketball Association, or NBA. The team’s founder was Walter A. Brown, who was also one of the originators of the famed Ice Capades. The Celtics have boasted some of the most memorable personalities in basketball, including Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Larry Bird, Red Auerbach and Paul Pierce. The Auerbach Days The team’s early days were full of struggles. But that changed when Auerbach was brought on as coach in 1950. At this point, he had already tried his hand at coaching during World War II for the military, in addition to stints with the Washington Capitals and the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. With Boston, Auerbach was given full control of the team. This meant he ran all the practices, had no assistants, managed all opposing team and college scouting and even scheduled the team’s road trips. Bill Russell and Championship Streak Auerbach’s genius knew no boundaries, and he demonstrated this at the 1956 draft. Boston had the second pick, while the Rochester Royals were drafting first. Auerbach managed to pull off an unusual trade: he convinced Rochester to let coveted University of San Francisco center Bill Russell slide to number two in exchange for a performance by the sought-after Ice Capades in their hometown. In turn, Auerbach and the Celtics drafted Russell, and he became the cornerstone of the most dominating franchise ever. They won 11 championships in 13 years, from 1957 to 1969. This included a whopping eight in a row from ’59 to ’66, and this is the longest consecutive championship streak of any North American pro sports team. Larry Bird and the “Big 3” The 1970s were relatively uneventful, with the team only winning two championships under coach Tommy Heinsohn. Towards the end of the decade, the Celtics drafted junior Larry Bird of Indiana State with the sixth pick in the 1978 draft. After staying an extra year in college, Bird debuted for Boston during the 1979-80 season and served as a core for the team to build around. The Celtics ended up trading two draft choices to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for center Robert Parish as well as their first round pick. That first rounder ended up being the third pick overall, and with that the Celtics drafted University of Minnesota power forward Kevin McHale. These three superstar players were known as the “Big 3” and they led the Celtics to win the championship in 1981.

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During his time with the Celtics, Pierce had been a starter on the team for every season. He is a ten-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA team selection, and also led Boston to the NBA Finals in 2008 and 2010, winning the 2008 NBA Finals. He was named the 2008 NBA Finals MVP in his first trip to the NBA Finals. Pierce also is one of only three players, alongside Larry Bird and John Havlicek, who have scored over 20,000 points in their career with the Celtics alone. He holds the Celtics’ record for most three-point field goals made and also ranks third in team history in games played, second in points scored, seventh in total rebounds, fifth in total assists, and first in total steals. His nickname, “The Truth”, was given to him by Shaquille O’Neal. foot. In spite of this injury, he still managed to put up his usual numbers in the 47 games in which he saw action. But the Celtics, during that season, went on an 18-game losing streak and had one of the worst seasons in franchise history, going 24–58. NBA champion and Finals MVP Pierce shoots a free throw in Game 4 of the first round of the 2008 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks. Prior to the 2007–08 season, he expressed great excitement at the Celtics’ acquisitions of fellow AllStars Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, and at the chance to contend for a championship. He slimmed down to his college weight of 235 lb (107 kg; 16.8 st) and vowed to pay more attention to defense, as he did not have to carry the offense anymore. On April 28, 2008, Pierce was fined $25,000 by the NBA for an alleged menacing gesture after falling to the ground and being taunted by Al Horford in Game 3 of the first round in the 2008 Playoffs against the Atlanta Injury and missing playoffs Hawks on April 26, 2008. Sources During the 2005–06 NBA season, claimed this gesture was a gang-related Pierce had the highest points-per-shot hand sign, but Danny Ainge, general average among the top 30 scorers in manager of the Celtics, stated that the league. On March 8, 2006, Pierce Pierce has been repeatedly doing it extended his franchise-record streak before and that it was not gang-related, of 30-point games to eight. On March but rather a symbol used within the 7, he scored seven points in overtime team. Pierce himself denied it, adding to beat the Washington Wizards on that his foundation was committed to a buzzer beater, and the next night helping urban youth keep away from the Celtics eked out a victory against gangs. Philadelphia on On May 18, the strength of THE LAKERS AQUIRED 2008, Pierce two late-game WILT CHAMBERLAIN recorded the improbable second-highest shots by IN 1968, WHICH point total in Pierce, one a BROUGH THE franchise history three-pointer, PERSONAL RIVALRY in a Game 7 with the other an BEWEEN HIM AND 41 points against off-balance the Cleveland buzzer beater BILL RUSSELL TO THE Cavaliers, as the for the win. He CELTICS-LAKERS. Celtics advanced scored at least to the Eastern 30 points for Conference Finals. On June 5, 2008, the 13th time in 14 games (between in Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals February 4 and March 12), the best against the Los Angeles Lakers, Pierce such stretch in Celtics history. was injured in the third quarter and He followed up this stellar season was carried off the court in serious with an injury-riddled 2006–07 pain. However, he came back to the campaign that saw him miss the first court only a few minutes later to spark significant stretch of games in his career, due to a stress reaction in his the Celtics with 15 points in the third Early career After his NBA debut, Pierce’s ability to score, rebound and play defense, and a healthy dose of late-game heroics led to his emergence as a top player in the Eastern Conference. Along with forward Antoine Walker, Pierce led the Celtics to the playoffs in 2002 for the first time in seven years and on to the Eastern Conference Finals. In the historic Game 3 of that series, he led the Celtics to one of the biggest fourth-quarter comebacks in NBA playoff history. Pierce scored 19 of his 28 points during the fourth quarter as the Celtics recovered from a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New Jersey Nets. Trade rumors involving Pierce swirled when Danny Ainge returned as the Executive Director of Basketball Operations in May 2003. Ainge laid most of these rumors to rest in the 2006 off-season by signing Pierce to a three-year, $59 million contract extension.

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quarter en route to a 98–88 victory. He went on to lead the Celtics to their 17th championship after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers four games to two. Pierce was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player after the Celtics’ 131–92 victory in Game 6 on June 17, 2008. Not long after winning the championship, Pierce was asked, “Is Kobe really the best player in the world?” Pierce responded by saying, “I don’t think Kobe is the best player. I’m the best player. There’s a line that separates having confidence and being conceited. I don’t cross that line but I have a lot of confidence in myself.” The quote drew minor controversy. Coming up short Pierce of the Boston Celtics being defended by LeBron James.

Pierce and the Celtics looked to repeat as world champions during the 200809 NBA season. Pierce missed only one game the entire season and led the team in scoring. He was named to the 2009 NBA All-Star Game and for the first time to the All-NBA Team Second Team. Despite Pierce’s success, with Kevin Garnett injured, the Celtics lost in the second round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs. At the 2010 NBA AllStar Game at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Pierce became the first Celtic since Larry Bird to win the Three-Point Shootout. In game 3 of the first round between the Celtics and Miami Heat in the 2010 NBA Playoffs, Pierce hit a 21-foot jumper at the buzzer to beat

Miami 100–98, and give the Celtics a 3–0 series lead. The Celtics went on to win that series, and also defeated the heavily favored Cavaliers in the second round. They faced the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, and beat them in 6 games to advance to their second Finals appearance in the Big 3 era. They faced off against the Lakers in a rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals, and took a 3-2 lead heading back to Los Angeles. However, in spite of Rasheed Wallace more than making up for the loss of injured center Kendrick Perkins, the Celtics were blown out in game 6 and lost a 13-point second half lead in game 7, losing the deciding game 83-79. On June 29, 2010, Pierce opted out of his contract and triggered his early termination contract to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2010. However, on July 2,

Pierce and the Celtics verbally agreed to a four-year extension keeping him in Boston through the 2013–14 season. On November 3, 2010, during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Pierce scored his 20,000th career point on a free throw, becoming the third player in Celtics history to reach that milestone solely in a Celtics uniform. The Celtics finished the season with the number 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and swept the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs. In the second round, the Celtics took on the Miami Heat and their big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Celtics lost to Miami, who eventually moved on to the

NBA Finals, in 5 to take THE LAKERS AQUIRED game five games. a series lead WILT CHAMBERLAIN On February of 3-2, but the IN 1968, WHICH 7, 2012, during Celtics lost the a game against last two games, BROUGH THE the Charlotte and the Heat PERSONAL RIVALRY Bobcats, Pierce advanced to the BEWEEN HIM AND scored fifteen NBA Finals. BILL RUSSELL TO THE points to pass Pierce finished Larry Bird for the playoffs CELTICS-LAKERS. second place on averaging 18.9 the Boston Celtics’ all-time scoring list. points per game while shooting only He was named to his tenth NBA All38.6 percent from the field and 31 Star appearance on February 9, 2012. percent from three. He then played his 1,000th career The 2012–13 season did not go game with the Celtics on March 9, as planned for Celtics, with All-Star 2012 against the Portland Trail Blazers; Point Guard Rajon Rondo out with only Pierce, John Havlicek, and Robert a torn ACL injury. On January 27, Parish have played in over 1,000 career 2013 against the Miami Heat, Pierce games for the Celtics. For the 2011-12 recorded his first triple-double of the season Pierce averaged 19.4 points, 4.5 season with 17 points, 13 rebounds, assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game as and 10 assists. On February 10, 2013 the Celtics finished the season 39-27 in against the Denver Nuggets, Pierce the lockout shortened season. recorded his second triple-double In the playoffs, the Celtics beat of the season with 27 points, 14 the Hawks in six games in the first rebounds, and 14 assists becoming round, as Pierce averaged 21.2 points the oldest player, in a game of any per game during the series. In length, to record at least 20 points, 12 the conference semifinals the rebounds, and 12 assists (previously Celtics faced the Philadelphia held by Larry Bird). On March 29, 76ers led by Doug 2013 against the Atlanta Hawks, Pierce Collins. They pushed recorded his third triple-double of the the Celtics into a season with 20 points, 10 rebounds, full seven game and 10 assists. Pierce finished the series, but the 2012-13 season with season averages Celtics won of 18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and the final 4.8 assists per game while the Celtics game 85managed to clinch the 7th seed in the 75. The playoffs with a 41-40 season record Celtics (with one game not played because of then the Boston Marathon bombings). The played Celtics lost to the New York Knicks the Miami in the 1st round in six games. Pierce Heat in the averaged 19.2 points per game while conference shooting a poor 36.8 percent from the finals. Pierce hit field and 26.8 percent from three point a crucial 3-pointer range along with 5.7 rebounds and 5.3 over LeBron James in assists in the playoff series loss. BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 15

A retrospective look back at four of Boston’s iconic trios

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DAVE COWENS, JOHN HAVLICEK AND JOJO WHITE

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ave Cowens and John Havlicek, with the help of Jo Jo White, made as solid a core as there was on any NBA team in the 1970s, and also throughout Boston Celtics history. This group won two championships together in both 1974 and 1976. Cowens led the team in rebounding during each of the the championship seasons—grabbing 15.7 per game in 1974 and 16 per game in 1976. Havlicek and White were known more for their consistent scoring. Havlicek was entering the later stages of his career during the mid1970s, while Cowens and White were in their prime and quickly on their way becoming elite players in the

league. Cowens was the youngest of the group. With Larry Bird known for dominating the 1980s and Bill Russell remembered for his career in the 1950s and ‘60s, people tend to forget how effective this particular “Big Three” was. They won two championships under head coach Tom Heinsohn, cementing their status as key contributors to team history.

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PAUL PIERCE, KEVIN GARNETT AND RAY ALLEN

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3 C

urrently, the Boston Celtics boast a core of three experienced veterans who have already helped the team to win an NBA Championship in 2008. Since the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in Boston, the Celtics are a team that has a winning style of play for the first time since the days of Larry Bird in the 1980s. With a defensive mindset under Doc Rivers and no shortage of offensive talent, this team has been able to get it done, time and time again, and continue to be perennial championship contenders. What makes these three so effective is that they each have games that complement one another. Pierce is a player that demands the ball down the stretch, and he can beat you with his jump shot or his strong drive to the basket. Garnett is a player that brings a lockdown defensive mentality, as well as a sound, intelligent arsenal on the offensive end. Allen is a knockdown shooter that is counted on for his three-ball, as well as his efforts down the stretch to make big buckets. Many claim that this is the last season that this current “Big Three” will get the chance to compete for an NBA Championship together—as Pierce and Company will look to try and take down the 2010 Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat.

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LARRY BIRD, KEVIN McHALE AND ROBERT PARISH 22 BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

he “Big Three” of Larry Bird, Robert Parish and Kevin McHale could be argued by many to be the most dominant core of players to ever step foot on the hardwood together. Winning three championships in the 1980s was a significant accomplishment for the simple fact that the league was arguably as competitive as it had ever, and has ever, been. It was during the days of Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boys in Detroit, as well as the dominant force in the Los Angeles Lakers that these Celtics were winning championships. It’s hard to say that this group

takes the throne from a team like the Celtics of the late 1950s and 1960s—a group that won 11 championships in 13 seasons. But considering the level of competition that Bird, Parish and McHale had to compete against, one could make a valid argument claiming that this particular “Big Three” is in the running for the No. 1 spot. Bird had the ability to make plays and was a flat-out scorer from anywhere on the court. McHale had a nose for the ball, and could rebound well. Parish was a tough defensive player who also contributed with his scoring ability. The three complemented each other, and helped the Celtics win championships when the NBA was as competitive of a league as it has ever been.

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BILL RUSSELL, BOB COUSY AND TOM HEINSOHN

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t’s a difficult task to argue with the amount of success these three had when they hit the court together. These three men were responsible for bringing home a total of six NBA Championships together. Russell would go on to win 11 championships in 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics. The later ones came with help from players like John Havlicek and Sam Jones once Cousy and Heinsohn were no longer playing. Cousy was arguably one of the best point guards to ever play the game. He was a playmaker who could score at will when taking the ball to the basket. Heinsohn was a scoring threat as well, and was the team’s most consistent rebounder outside of Russell. It wasn’t every day that a player averaged nine to 10 rebounds a game and did not even lead his team in that category. Heinsohn was actually second on the

team in rebounds behind Russell, who was often putting up over 20 rebounds a contest. The three won a plethora of championships and were all Hall of Fame talents. In fact, this particular group helped the Celtics win just over one-third of the 17 NBA Championships that they have won in their history. These three might not have played against the level of competition that the “Big Three” of the 1980s did, but the success that they had when they made a presence on the hardwood makes them No. 1. Russell, Cousy and Heinsohn were the most dominant “Big Three” in team history.

BILL RUSSELL, BOB COUSY AND TOM HEINSOHN BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 25

26 BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 27

It has been called the best rivalry in the NBA. The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have met a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, starting with their first Finals meeting in 1959. They would both go on to dominate the league in the 1960s and 1980s, facing each other six times in the 60s, three times in the 80s as well as in the late 00’s.

GM Fred Schaus for Los Angeles. Minneapolis and Boston Championships but no rematch However, it would ultimately prove The Lakers and Celtics both found During the first decade of the NBA in to be the decade of the Celtics, who success in the 1970s, but there would the 1950s, the Minneapolis Lakers had won the finals every year in the 1960s be no rematch between the two teams. the first NBA dynasty. Minneapolis except for 1967. The Lakers would be The start of the decade saw the would win the first ever Championship the Celtics opponent in six of those Lakers’ woes in the NBA Finals Series of the newly formed NBA in series: 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, continue, with a loss to the New York 1950 (three BAA Finals were played and 1969. The Knicks in 1970. However, the Lakers between Celtics won rebounded two years later to win 1947–1949 and THE LAKERS AQUIRED all of those the 1972 NBA Finals and their first retroactively match-ups. championship in Los Angeles, also WILT CHAMBERLAIN counted as NBA Three of those against the Knicks. This would also IN 1968, WHICH Championships, series (1962, prove to be Laker great Jerry West’s one of which BROUGH THE 1966, and 1969) only NBA title. The following year, the was won by PERSONAL RIVALRY went seven Lakers again faced the Knicks in the the Lakers in games. The 1973 NBA Finals and lost. They would BEWEEN HIM AND 1949). Under Celtics win over not make it to the Finals again in this BILL RUSSELL TO THE Hall of Fame the Lakers in decade, but in 1975 they acquired head coach CELTICS-LAKERS. 1966 marked an Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. John Kundla, unprecedented The Celtics won the NBA Finals in and with the NBA’s first superstar in eight consecutive championships, the 1974, and won again in 1976, under George Mikan, they would win three longest streak of any North American the leadership of coach Tom Heinsohn more titles in 1952, 1953, and 1954. professional sports team. and players Dave Cowens, Paul Silas The Celtics would emerge behind early The Lakers acquired Wilt and Jo Jo White. NBA star Bob Cousy by winning the Chamberlain in 1968, which brought Neither team won another the personal rivalry between him and championship until the 1980s. 1957 NBA Finals and losing in 1958. Bill Russell, previously a feature of the However, the foundation for the The first NBA Finals match-up Celtics-76ers rivalry, to Celtics-Lakers. renewed Celtics–Lakers rivalry of the between the two teams was in 1959 The Lakers posted the best record 1980s was actually laid down in college when on April 9, the Boston Celtics in the West during the 1968–1969 basketball of the late 1970s. During swept the Minneapolis Lakers 4-0 for season. By contrast, the aging Celtics the 1978–79 NCAA season, Michigan the first sweep in the history of the struggled to obtain the fourth seed, State was led by Magic Johnson to the NBA Finals. This would mark the first with Russell and Jones playing in championship game of the NCAA Finals loss for the previously dominant their final seasons. Despite this, the Tournament, where they faced Indiana Lakers, and the first of eight straight Celtics upset the Philadelphia 76ers State University, which was led by titles for Boston. and the New York Knicks and made senior Larry Bird. In what was the it to the Finals. The Lakers had home most-watched college basketball game Los Angeles Lakers and Celtics Dynasty ever, Michigan State defeated Indiana court advantage for the first time The Lakers relocated to Los Angeles State 75–64, and Johnson was voted and won the first two games, but the in 1960. It was after this move, and Most Outstanding Player of the Final Celtics rebounded to force and win a during this decade, that the rivalry Four. Magic Johnson would go on to dramatic Game 7 at the Los Angeles would truly escalate. The two teams be drafted by the Lakers, and Larry Forum, defying Laker’s owner Jack emerged as the strongest in the NBA, Bird by the Celtics. The personal Kent Cooke’s infamous prediction of featuring greats such as Bill Russell, rivalry formed by these two basketball a Lakers celebration. West was named Tom Heinsohn, John Havlicek, Sam greats during college would transfer Finals MVP despite being on the losing Jones and head coach Red Auerbach to their NBA careers, and reignite the team, but it was small consolation in a for Boston and Elgin Baylor, Jerry rivalry between decade where West, Gail Goodrich, and coach/ the two storied the Lakers THE LAKERS AND franchises that went without a CELTICS BOTH they came to championship, FOUND SUCCESS represent. every one of their Finals’ IN THE 1970s, BUT Magic and Bird losses in that THERE WOULD BE NO The Lakersdecade coming REMATCH BETWEEN Celtics rivalry at the hands of was renewed the Celtics. THE TWO TEAMS. in the 1980s, The 1969 in large part due to the personal Finals also caused a deterioration in rivalry between Larry Bird and Magic the relationship between Russell and Johnson. Magic said of the games Chamberlain, who had previously been against the Celtics, “when the new friends despite their rivalry, into one schedule would come out each year, I’d of intense loathing, when Chamberlain grab it and circle the Boston games. To took himself out of the decisive Game me, it was The Two and the other 80.” 7 with six minutes left, and Russell Similarly, Bird said that, “the first thing thereafter accused Chamberlain of I would do every morning was look at being a malingerer and of “copping the box scores to see what Magic did. I out” of the game when it seemed that didn’t care about anything else.” the Lakers would lose. Chamberlain The Showtime Lakers struck the (whose knee was so bad that he first blow, winning the 1980 NBA could not play the entire offseason Finals against the Philadelphia 76ers. and ruptured it in the next season) The following year, behind the “Big was livid at Russell and saw him as a Three” of future Hall of Famers backstabber. The two men did not talk Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert to each other for over 20 years until Parish, the Celtics won the 1981 NBA Russell attempted to patch things up, Finals against the Houston Rockets. although he never uttered a genuine The Celtics lost the 1982 Eastern apology. When Chamberlain died in Conference Finals to the 76ers, and 1999, Chamberlain’s nephew stated along with it the possibility of a that Russell was the second person he rematch with the Lakers. However, was ordered to break the news to.

28 BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

the final game of that series is and between blacks and whites. A 1984 Converse commercial for its memorable to the rivalry because “Weapon” line of basketball shoes Boston fans chanted for the 76ers, (endorsed by both Bird and Johnson) who were just about to eliminate reflected the perceived dichotomy their Celtics, to “Beat L.A.!” Despite between the two players. In the the encouragement, the 76ers lost commercial, Bird is practicing alone on the 1982 NBA Finals to the Lakers, a rural basketball court when Johnson who were led by new head coach Pat pulls up in a sleek limousine and Riley. However, the 76ers defeated the challenges him to a one-on-one match. Lakers the following year in the 1983 Despite their on the court rivalry, the NBA Finals. The 1982–1983 season two became friends after filming the would also be the rookie year of Laker commercial together. James Worthy, another Hall of Famer The rivalry was also significant in the storied rivalry. because it drew national attention to The Celtics would get a new head the faltering coach in K.C. Jones, who was THE LAKERS-CELTICS NBA. Prior to Johnson and also a former RIVALRY WAS Bird’s arrival, the Celtics player, RENEWED IN THE NBA had gone and two teams 1980s, IN LARGE PART through a decade finally had their long-awaited DUE TO THE PERSONAL of declining interest and rematch in RIVALRY BETWEEN low TV ratings. the 1984 LARRY BIRD AND With the NBA Finals, a two future grueling seven MAGIC JOHNSON. Hall of game series Famers, the that had many league won a whole generation memorable moments, including a of new fans. The rivalry between 137–104 blowout in Game 3 that led Bird, Johnson, and their teams Larry Bird to call his Celtic teammates contributed greatly to the success “sissies,” the Kevin McHale takedown of the league during the decade; of Laker forward Kurt Rambis which according to Bryant Gumbel, “Magic led to increased physical aggression and Larry saved the NBA.” Sports by both teams, the sweltering heat journalist Larry Schwartz of ESPN of the infamously un-airconditioned asserted that Johnson and Bird saved Boston Garden in Game 5, and Cedric the NBA from bankruptcy. In every Maxwell’s 24-point performance in single NBA Finals series during the Game 7. The Celtics went on to win 1980s, either the Lakers or the Celtics in seven games, increasing their record were present. of Finals’ series victories against the Lakers to 8–0. Lull and rebuilding The following year, the Lakers The rivalry temporarily died down in finally had their revenge, winning the the 1990s. Only the Lakers made an 1985 NBA Finals by taking Game appearance in the NBA Finals that 6 in Boston Garden, becoming the decade, losing the 1991 NBA Finals only visiting team to win an NBA to Michael Jordan and the Chicago championship in that arena. Lakers Bulls, the first championship in the owner Jerry Buss famously remarked Bulls’ dynasty. This would prove to that “this has removed the most odious be a defining moment of the NBA, sentence in the English language. It a changing of the old guard as the can never again be said that ‘the Lakers Lakers and Celtics fell into mediocrity, have never beaten the Celtics’”. while the Bulls won six titles led The Celtics rebounded the by Jordan and coach Phil Jackson, following year to win the 1986 NBA who would cement their respective Finals against the Rockets. In the 1987 reputations as the greatest player and NBA Finals, the two teams met for coach in NBA history. Both teams a tie-breaker of their 1980s Finals also faced set backs in the form of matches, and the Lakers once again personal misfortune. On November emerged victorious in six games, with 7, 1991, Magic Johnson announced the iconic image of Magic Johnson’s he had tested positive for HIV and junior sky hook. This series marked would retire immediately. Celtics star the end of an era for the Celtics. They Reggie Lewis died of a heart attack in did not reach the Finals again until his prime in 1993, further marring the 2008. The Lakers, meanwhile, went on team in tragedy since second overall to win the 1988 NBA Finals against pick Len Bias died of a drug overdose the Detroit Pistons, before losing to two days after he was drafted in 1986. the Pistons the following year in 1989, In 1994, neither the Lakers nor the and win titles again in 2000, 2001 and Celtics made the playoffs, marking the 2002, all while the Celtics wallowed in first time in the history of the NBA mediocrity. that both teams missed the playoffs in Several journalists hypothesized the same season. that the Johnson–Bird rivalry was However, the Lakers began the so appealing because it represented rebuilding process in 1996 by trading many other contrasts, such as the for Kobe Bryant, who was clash between the Lakers and Celtics, drafted from high school between Hollywood flashiness that year by the Charlotte (“Lakers Showtime”) and Boston/ Hornets. That same year, Indiana blue collar grit (“Celtic Pride”), BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 29

the Lakers signed Shaquille O’Neal. and Paul Pierce is the truth. Quote me Meanwhile, in 1998, the Celtics drafted on that and don’t take nothing out. I Paul Pierce, a native of Inglewood, knew he could play, but I didn’t know California who had grown up as a he could play like this. Paul Pierce is Lakers fan. The following year, in the truth.” In 2002, the Celtics, with 1999, Phil Jackson joined the Lakers as Pierce and Antoine Walker, made head coach. an impressive run for the Finals and The Lakers returned to prominence the two teams narrowly missed each in the early other. However, 2000s. Under the Celtics PAUL PIERCE IS THE Jackson’s eventually fell TRUTH. I KNEW HE guidance, and in six games to with O’Neal the New Jersey COULD PLAY, BUT and Bryant Nets in that I DIDN’T KNOW HE leading the way, year’s Eastern COULD PLAY LIKE THIS. Conference the Lakers won three straight Finals. championships in 2000, 2001, and The Lakers returned to the Finals 2002. The Lakers’ title in 2000 came in 2004 but lost at the hands of the against the Indiana Pacers who were Detroit Pistons. Thereafter, O’Neal coached by Celtic legend Larry Bird. was traded to the Miami Heat. Without Paul Pierce’s nickname, “The Truth,” O’Neal, the Lakers missed the playoffs was accorded to him by Shaquille the following year and failed to O’Neal after a 112-107 Lakers’ victory advance to the Finals for the next three over the Celtics on March 13, 2001 in years. which Pierce scored 42 points on 13 of The Celtics likewise made little 19 shooting. O’Neal pulled a Boston playoff progress after their near Finals reporter over and gestured toward run of 2002. In 2004, they hired his notepad. “Take this down”, said head coach Doc Rivers. In 2007, they O’Neal. “My name is Shaquille O’Neal made blockbuster trades for All-Stars 30 BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, who complemented career-long Celtics star Paul Pierce and emerging star Rajon Rondo. Rivalry renewed With the addition of Allen and Garnett alongside Pierce to become the new “Big Three,” the Celtics returned to the top of the NBA in the 2007–2008 season by posting the best record in the league and reaching the Finals. The Lakers also returned to the Finals with the help of the mid-season acquisition of Pau Gasol, and the two teams finally met again in the 2008 NBA Finals. The Celtics won in six games with an impressive come-from-behind victory in Game 4 and a blow-out of the Lakers in Game 6. The next season, the Lakers and Celtics played a regular season game on Christmas Day. The Lakers won that game, making Phil Jackson the fastest coach to win 1,000 games They went on to win the

2009 NBA Finals that season, but the Celtics were eliminated by eventual Eastern Conference champions Orlando Magic. In 2009, the Lakers signed Ron Artest. The summer before the 2009–2010 season, Phil Jackson ran into Paul Pierce and told him, “Get it back, we want to meet you in the Finals.” The Lakers ended the season with the West’s best record, while the Celtics would enter the playoffs as the number four seed. Build up for a rematch began with the Lakers taking a 2–0 lead over the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals, with chants of “We Want Boston!” erupting in the Staples Center. Likewise, chants of “Beat L.A.!” erupted up in TD Garden as the Celtics took a commanding 3–0 lead over the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. Both teams fended off late series surges from their opponents, but won their respective series 4–2, setting

up a rematch in the 2010 NBA Finals. The 2010 series had many memorable moments, including impressive performances from Bryant who led in points for six of the seven games, Ray Allen’s Finals’ record eight 3-pointers in Game 2, Derek Fisher carrying his team to victory and then crying in Game 3, a hard-fought Game 4 where Glen Davis screamed so loud he drooled while Nate Robinson rode on his back, a dominant Lakers performance in Game 6, and a close Game 7 that became the highest rated NBA game since Michael Jordan’s second retirement in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals. The Lakers won Game 7 against the Celtics for their very first time, bringing their total number of NBA championships to sixteen (they have one NBL championship (1948)), just one fewer than the Celtics’ seventeen. The Celtics signed Shaquille O’Neal for the 2010–2011 season to replace the injured Kendrick Perkins, adding to the rivalry by bringing the Shaq-Kobe feud to the Celtics-Lakers. During a game against the Lakers on February

11, 2011, Ray Allen became the alltime NBA leader in total 3-point field goals made. However, both the Lakers and Celtics would be eliminated in the second round of the playoffs that year by the 2011 NBA Finals participants, the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, respectively. The following year they would again both be eliminated by the eventual 2012 NBA Finals participants, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat, respectively. With the disbanding of Boston’s Big Three, and anticipated changes to the Lakers’ roster, some believe that the 2011-12 NBA season was the last chapter of the current Celtics–Lakers rivalry. On February 20, 2013, the Lakers played their first game since the death of long time owner Jerry Buss who had died two days earlier, paying tribute to him at the Staples Center before facing off against the Celtics. The Lakers won 113-99 in a game that saw Steve Nash pass former Lakers star Magic Johnson for fourth on the all-time NBA assist list.

BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 31

BOSTON CELTICS: THE 70 YEAR ANNIVERSARY