1961 NBA Championship
The Celtics' third straight title under Red Auerbach.
The 1961 NBA Championship was the Boston Celtics' third consecutive title, won under head coach Red Auerbach.
- Championships Won
- 4th consecutive title
- Head Coach
- Red Auerbach
- Finals Opponent
- St. Louis Hawks
- Series Result
- Won 4-3
- MVP
- Bill Russell
- Home Arena
- Boston Garden
Lore & Background
The 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 1961.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Boston Garden was thick with anticipation as the crowd roared for one more shot at glory. Bill Russell stood at the free-throw line, sweat dripping down his brow, the weight of the franchise resting on his shoulders. With seconds ticking away in Game 7, he sank both shots, silencing the Hawks' hopes and igniting a celebration that would echo through decades. As teammates mobbed him on the hardwood floor, it was clear: another dynasty chapter had been written.
Reader's Guide
The 1961 championship was part of the Celtics' eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966, the longest consecutive championship winning streak of any major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada to date.
Did You Know?
- The Celtics' 18 NBA championships are the most for any NBA franchise.
- Red Auerbach is the franchise's all-time leader in regular-season and playoff wins as a coach.
- Auerbach was also the 1965–66 Coach of the Year.
More in Championships & Records
Elsewhere in the Boston Celtics universe
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