1987-1993: The Dominique Wilkins Rivalry Era
The most successful team in NBA history, with 18 championships and a legacy of dynasties.
The Boston Celtics are an American professional basketball team based in Boston. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946 as one of the league's original eight teams, the Celtics play their home games at TD Garden. They hold the records for most NBA championships won, with 18, and most recorded wins of any NBA franchise.
Quick Facts
- Era name
- Post-Bird Transition & Eastern Conference Battles
- Key opponent
- Dominique Wilkins (Atlanta Hawks)
- Final championship year
- 1986
- Larry bird retirement
- 1992
- Notable matchups
- 1987-1993 Eastern Conference Playoffs
- Team status
- Declining from Dynasty to Rebuild
Lore & Background
After the retirements of Bird and McHale, the departure of Parish, and the untimely death of star player Reggie Lewis, the Celtics struggled through the 1990s and much of the early 2000s.
Reader's Guide
The Celtics have a notable rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, who are second in NBA history with 17 championships. The teams' rivalry was especially pronounced in the 1960s and 1980s. The Celtics have played the Lakers a record 12 times in the NBA Finals and have defeated them nine times.
Did You Know?
- Bill Russell became the first African American head coach in any United States sport when he became player-coach of the Celtics.
- Four Celtics players (Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens and Larry Bird) have won the NBA Most Valuable Player award.
- In May 2025, the team was sold to private equity investor William Chisholm for $6.1 billion.
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