1965 NBA Championship
Auerbach's ninth title in the historic eight-peat.
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 1965.
- Championship Year
- 1965
- Opponent Defeated
- Philadelphia Warriors
- Series Result
- 4-1
- Key Player
- Bill Russell (MVP)
- Coach
- Red Auerbach
- Arena
- Boston Garden
Lore & Background
The 1965 NBA 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.
In Their Own Story
The squeak of sneakers on hardwood echoed through the packed Boston Garden as Bill Russell leaped, his silhouette blocking out the arena lights. The ball bounced off the rim, defying gravity and Wilt Chamberlain's momentum, settling into Russell's waiting hands for a rebound that would become routine yet miraculous.
Reader's Guide
The 1965 championship was coached by Red Auerbach, who is the franchise's all-time leader in regular-season and playoff wins as a coach and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Did You Know?
- The 1965 championship was one of nine won by Red Auerbach as head coach.
- 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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