Celtic Dynasty (1957–1969)

Lore & Background

The Celtics' rise to dominance began in the late 1950s after the team, led by coach Red Auerbach, acquired Bill Russell in 1956. Led by Russell, Bob Cousy, and Tom Heinsohn, the Celtics won their first NBA championship in 1957. They won eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966. After Russell became player-coach, they won back-to-back titles in 1968 and 1969. The Celtics entered a period of rebuilding after Russell retired in 1969.

Reader's Guide

The Celtics won championships in 1974 and 1976 under head coach Tom Heinsohn with Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, and Jo Jo White. In the 1980s, anchored by the 'Big Three' of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, they won championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. After assembling a new 'Big Three' around Paul Pierce by acquiring Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in 2007, they won their 17th championship in 2008. Led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 to secure their 18th championship.

Did You Know?

• The Celtics have played the Lakers a record 12 times in the NBA Finals and have defeated them nine times.
• 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.
• The Celtics became the first NBA team to have an all African-American starting lineup in 1964.