1959 NBA Championship
The start of an unprecedented eight-year championship run.
The Boston Celtics won their first NBA championship in the 1957 NBA Finals under the coaching of Red Auerbach. Auerbach led the Celtics to nine championships, including in 1959.
- Championship Year
- 1959
- Opponent Defeated
- Minneapolis Lakers
- Series Result
- 4-0 Sweep
- Head Coach
- Red Auerbach
- Key Player (MVP)
- Bill Russell
- Franchise Title Count
- 4th
Lore & Background
The Celtics' eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966 represent the longest consecutive championship winning streak of any major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada to date.
In Their Own Story
The roar of the crowd at Boston Garden faded into a hushed anticipation as the final seconds ticked away on Game Four. Bill Russell, sweat dripping from his brow, stood over the rebound, his eyes locked on the rim. The Lakers had thrown everything they had at him—double teams, physical screens, desperate shots—but nothing could shake the foundation he provided. As the buzzer sounded, sealing a 4-0 sweep, the arena erupted in a deafening roar of green and white. Red Auerbach watched from the bench, a knowing smile on his face; another chapter in the Celtics' golden age had been written.
Reader's Guide
The 1959 championship was part of the Celtics' streak of eight straight titles. Red Auerbach was the head coach.
Did You Know?
- Red Auerbach led the Celtics to nine championships, including 1959.
- The Celtics' eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966 is the longest streak in major North American professional sports.
More in Championships & Records
Elsewhere in the Boston Celtics universe
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