First NBA Title (1957)
The original rivalry: Celtics vs. Knicks, since 1946.
The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are two of only three remaining charter franchises from the Basketball Association of America, which began operations in 1946. They are the two oldest teams still playing in their original city today.
Quick Facts
- Head coach
- Red Auerbach
- Key players
- Bob Cousy
- Bill Russell
- Ed Macauley
- Jim Loscutoff
- Opponent
- St. Louis Hawks
- Series result
- Won 4-3
- Decisive moment
- Double Overtime Victory in Game 7
Lore & Background
The Celtics and Knicks have played the most overall regular season games in history, with the Celtics playing nine more games (6,196 to 6,187) due to their invitation to the 2020 NBA Bubble. Their 498 regular season meetings are the most in NBA history.
Reader's Guide
The Celtics won titles in the 1956–57, 1958–59, and 1959–60 seasons. They were champions every season from 1959 to 1966. Boston won another title in 1968, and again in the 1968–69 season. The Celtics won their 12th NBA title in the 1973–74 season. Larry Bird led Boston to titles in the 1980–81, 1983–84, and 1985–86 seasons. The Celtics won their 17th NBA title in the 2007–08 season.
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