Despite winning numerous NBA titles and earning a legendary place in basketball history, the Boston Celtics are still unable to establish their rankings. Due to the Boston Celtics' numerous historic team accomplishments that span several decades and various Hall of Fame players, it is impossible to establish a definitive rating. Since the Boston Celtics are ready to fly another banner from TD Garden, they have the only right to select their desired championship number. While the Boston Celtics continued to define NBA greatness over six distinct decades to become the league's most successful franchise, Bob Cousy established the team that Red Auerbach changed before Bill Russell made it legendary.
Photo byfreepikviaFreepik
When it comes to championship victories, the foundation of significance is the same for both underdog triumphs and dominant dynasties. How do you determine which of the two championship victories is more valuable? Determining the value of top-tier online casinos includingGGBET uses three key elements which combine their operational achievements with historical achievements and lasting influence. Every championship run possesses special meaning but some teams achieve this success to a higher degree.
The Celtics' 5 Most Memorable Moments in NBA Finals History
1985-86 Celtics – The Greatest of Them All
Source
NBA Finals: Celtics def. Rockets, 4-2
Championship No. 16
The Celtics of 1985–86 are regarded by modern sports enthusiasts as one of the best teams in basketball history and one of Boston's best championship clubs. Based on their several Hall of Famers, their potent fast break system, and Larry Bird's best play, this squad boasted an unbeatable defense. The team's 82 wins set a record that was later matched by the Chicago Bulls and then broken by the Golden State Warriors. After defeating the Rockets in six games with Hakeem Olajuwon, the Celtics went on to sweep two playoff brackets throughout the postseason. When Bill Walton provided top-tier replacements, the team's depth, talent, and chemistry came together to create excellence.
2008 NBA Finals – Garnett’s Defining Moment
Source
NBA Finals: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-2
Championship No. 17
After making a historic and-1 play against Lamar Odom in Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals, Kevin Garnett was pushed, but that didn't stop him from slashing the net. The Boston fans was energized by Garnett's incredible post-move dunk, which also helped the Celtics take a 20-point lead against the Lakers in the second quarter. After that game-changing moment Los Angeles experienced no responses as the Celtics achieved a 39-point blowout win which went down as the biggest in NBA Finals history. After defeating the Lakers in the sixth game of the series Garnett achieved NBA history during his ABC interview with Tafoya when he declared "Anything is possible!" His summary of the Celtics' triumph described their return to victory after 1986 and their renewed challenge with the Lakers in their historic rivalry.
1964 NBA Finals – The Peak of Russell’s Dynasty
Source
NBA Finals: Celtics def. Warriors, 4-1
Championship No. 7.
The Boston Globe historian Bob Ryan joins others to declare this Celtics team as the best of the Russell era. The well-rounded team roster won 59 regular season games and took five games to defeat their opponents in the Finals competition.
The retirement of Bob Cousy led K.C. Jones became a trustworthy replacement for the team before the 1964-1965 season. John Havlicek became an offensive leader in his second NBA season while securing the team's top scoring position and establishing Boston's dominant position.
1961-62 NBA Finals – Overtime Glory in Game
Source
NBA Finals: Celtics def. Lakers, 4-3
Championship No. 4
In the 1961-62 season the Celtics established themselves as the inaugural NBA team to reach 60 regular season victories. The team was filled with skilled talent because Bob Cousy continued to steer while Bill Russell established his prime playing ability. Their path to victory required much struggle throughout their championship journey. The NBA Finals brought a challenge when Elgin Baylor reached 61 points in Game 5 which remains a historic record.
When Frank Selvy missed the Lakers' chance to win the championship in regulation time during Game 7, it was a pivotal moment. In what ended up being the final NBA Finals Game 7 to go to overtime, the Celtics won the championship. This incredible scoring conclusion caused the rivalry between Boston and Los Angeles to escalate in a historic manner.
1973-74 NBA Finals – Celtics Get Their Redemption
Source
NBA Finals: Celtics def. Bucks, 4-3
Championship No. 12
The 1973-74 Celtics showed perseverance by sealing their victory although their regular season performance was below their 68-win standard. Boston almost seized a title in the previous year until John Havlicek sustained a shoulder injury in the conference finals which denied them the championship.
After suffering a setback due to a shoulder injury, the Celtics harnessed their spirit of competition to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in seven games, resulting in a victorious title return. As one of the most seasoned championship teams in franchise history, they won their 12th NBA title by combining a solid team effort with unwavering perseverance.