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RetroSeasons
RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
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Boston Celtics logo

Boston Celtics
Seasons 1947-2021 (75 seasons)

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Teams Boston/New England Boston Celtics Larry-bird-drafted-by-red-auerbach Seasons

Recap

Founded in 1946 as one of the league's original eight teams, the Celtics play their home games at TD Garden, which they share with the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins. The Celtics are regarded as one of the most successful basketball teams in NBA history; the franchise is tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for most NBA Championships won with 17 (accounting for 23.6 percent of all NBA championships since the league's founding) and currently holds the record for the most recorded wins of any NBA team. The Celtics are one of the two charter BAA franchises (the other is the New York Knicks) still playing in their original city.

The Celtics have a notable rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, which was heavily highlighted throughout the 1960s and 1980s. During the two teams' many match-ups in the 1980s, the Celtics' star, Larry Bird, and the Lakers' star, Magic Johnson, had an ongoing feud. The franchise has played the Lakers a record 12 times in the NBA Finals (including their most recent appearances in 2008 and 2010), of which the Celtics have won nine. Four Celtics players (Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens and Larry Bird) have won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award for an NBA record total of 10 MVP awards. Both the nickname "Celtics" and their mascot "Lucky the Leprechaun" are a nod to Boston's historically large Irish population, and also to the Original Celtics, a marquee team prior to the NBA.

The Celtics' rise to dominance began in the late 1950s, after coach Red Auerbach acquired center Bill Russell, who would become the cornerstone of the Celtics dynasty, in a draft-day trade in 1956. Led by Russell and superstar point guard Bob Cousy, the Celtics won their first NBA championship in 1957. Russell, along with a talented supporting cast of future Hall of Famers including John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Sam Jones, Satch Sanders, and Bill Sharman, would usher the Celtics into the greatest period in franchise history, winning eight consecutive NBA championships throughout the 1960s. After the retirement of Russell in 1969, the Celtics entered a period of rebuilding. Led by center Dave Cowens and point guard JoJo White, the Celtics returned to championship caliber, winning two NBA titles in 1974 and 1976. The Celtics again returned to dominance in the 1980s. Led by the "Big Three" that featured Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, the Celtics won the 1981, 1984, and 1986 championships. After winning 16 championships throughout the 20th century, the Celtics, after struggling through the 1990s, rose again to win a championship in 2008 with the help of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen in what was known as the new "Big Three" era. The Celtics returned to the NBA Finals in 2010, only to lose to the Lakers in a seven-game series.

By the start of the 2013-14 season, none of the "Big Three" were still with the team, which ushered in a new era for the team. With the help of newly hired head coach Brad Stevens, the team began rebuilding. In his second season, Stevens led the Celtics to a return to the playoffs in 2015. During the 2016-17 season, the Celtics clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but were eliminated in the Conference Finals. Led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team returned to the Conference Finals in 2018 and 2020, losing both times.

Close
Season Overviews Seasons List
2020-21 Boston Celtics Season
2020-21 Boston Celtics
36-36 (.500)
Lost First Round
2019-20 Boston Celtics Season
2019-20 Boston Celtics
48-24 (.667)
Lost Conference Finals
2018-19 Boston Celtics Season
2018-19 Boston Celtics
49-33 (.598)
Lost Conference Semifinals
2017-18 Boston Celtics Season
2017-18 Boston Celtics
55-27 (.671)
Lost Conference Finals
2016-17 Boston Celtics Season
2016-17 Boston Celtics
53-29 (.646)
Lost Conference Finals
2015-16 Boston Celtics Season
2015-16 Boston Celtics
48-34 (.585)
Lost First Round
2014-15 Boston Celtics Season
2014-15 Boston Celtics
40-42 (.488)
Lost First Round
2013-14 Boston Celtics Season
2013-14 Boston Celtics
25-57 (.305)
Missed Playoffs
2012-13 Boston Celtics Season
2012-13 Boston Celtics
41-40 (.506)
Lost First Round
2011-12 Boston Celtics Season
2011-12 Boston Celtics
39-27 (.591)
Lost Conference Finals
2010-11 Boston Celtics Season
2010-11 Boston Celtics
56-26 (.683)
Lost Conference Semifinals
2009-10 Boston Celtics Season
2009-10 Boston Celtics
50-32 (.610)
Lost NBA Finals
2008-09 Boston Celtics Season
2008-09 Boston Celtics
62-20 (.756)
Lost Conference Semifinals
2007-08 Boston Celtics Season
2007-08 Boston Celtics
66-16 (.805)
Won NBA Finals
2006-07 Boston Celtics Season
2006-07 Boston Celtics
24-58 (.293)
Missed Playoffs
2005-06 Boston Celtics Season
2005-06 Boston Celtics
33-49 (.402)
Missed Playoffs
2004-05 Boston Celtics Season
2004-05 Boston Celtics
45-37 (.549)
Lost First Round
2003-04 Boston Celtics Season
2003-04 Boston Celtics
36-46 (.439)
Lost First Round
2002-03 Boston Celtics Season
2002-03 Boston Celtics
44-38 (.537)
Lost Conference Semifinals
2001-02 Boston Celtics Season
2001-02 Boston Celtics
49-33 (.598)
Lost Conference Finals
2000-01 Boston Celtics Season
2000-01 Boston Celtics
36-46 (.439)
Missed Playoffs
1999-00 Boston Celtics Season
1999-00 Boston Celtics
35-47 (.427)
Missed Playoffs
1998-99 Boston Celtics Season
1998-99 Boston Celtics
19-31 (.380)
Missed Playoffs
1997-98 Boston Celtics Season
1997-98 Boston Celtics
36-46 (.439)
Missed Playoffs
1996-97 Boston Celtics Season
1996-97 Boston Celtics
15-67 (.183)
Missed Playoffs
1995-96 Boston Celtics Season
1995-96 Boston Celtics
33-49 (.402)
Missed Playoffs
1994-95 Boston Celtics Season
1994-95 Boston Celtics
35-47 (.427)
Lost First Round
1993-94 Boston Celtics Season
1993-94 Boston Celtics
32-50 (.390)
Missed Playoffs
1992-93 Boston Celtics Season
1992-93 Boston Celtics
48-34 (.585)
Lost First Round
1991-92 Boston Celtics Season
1991-92 Boston Celtics
51-31 (.622)
Lost Conference Semifinals
1990-91 Boston Celtics Season
1990-91 Boston Celtics
56-26 (.683)
Lost Conference Semifinals
1989-90 Boston Celtics Season
1989-90 Boston Celtics
52-30 (.634)
Lost First Round
1988-89 Boston Celtics Season
1988-89 Boston Celtics
42-40 (.512)
Lost First Round
1987-88 Boston Celtics Season
1987-88 Boston Celtics
57-25 (.695)
Lost Conference Finals
1986-87 Boston Celtics Season
1986-87 Boston Celtics
59-23 (.720)
Lost NBA Finals
1985-86 Boston Celtics Season
1985-86 Boston Celtics
67-15 (.817)
Won NBA Finals
1984-85 Boston Celtics Season
1984-85 Boston Celtics
63-19 (.768)
Lost NBA Finals
1983-84 Boston Celtics Season
1983-84 Boston Celtics
62-20 (.756)
Won NBA Finals
1982-83 Boston Celtics Season
1982-83 Boston Celtics
56-26 (.683)
Lost Conference Semifinals
1981-82 Boston Celtics Season
1981-82 Boston Celtics
63-19 (.768)
Lost Conference Finals
1980-81 Boston Celtics Season
1980-81 Boston Celtics
62-20 (.756)
Won NBA Finals
1979-80 Boston Celtics Season
1979-80 Boston Celtics
61-21 (.744)
Lost Conference Finals
1978-79 Boston Celtics Season
1978-79 Boston Celtics
29-53 (.354)
Missed Playoffs
1977-78 Boston Celtics Season
1977-78 Boston Celtics
32-50 (.390)
Missed Playoffs
1976-77 Boston Celtics Season
1976-77 Boston Celtics
44-38 (.537)
Lost Conference Semifinals
1975-76 Boston Celtics Season
1975-76 Boston Celtics
54-28 (.659)
Won NBA Finals
1974-75 Boston Celtics Season
1974-75 Boston Celtics
60-22 (.732)
Lost Conference Finals
1973-74 Boston Celtics Season
1973-74 Boston Celtics
56-26 (.683)
Won NBA Finals
1972-73 Boston Celtics Season
1972-73 Boston Celtics
68-14 (.829)
Lost Conference Finals
1971-72 Boston Celtics Season
1971-72 Boston Celtics
56-26 (.683)
Lost Conference Finals
1970-71 Boston Celtics Season
1970-71 Boston Celtics
44-38 (.537)
Missed Playoffs
1969-70 Boston Celtics Season
1969-70 Boston Celtics
34-48 (.415)
Missed Playoffs
1968-69 Boston Celtics Season
1968-69 Boston Celtics
48-34 (.585)
Won NBA Finals
1967-68 Boston Celtics Season
1967-68 Boston Celtics
54-28 (.659)
Won NBA Finals
1966-67 Boston Celtics Season
1966-67 Boston Celtics
60-21 (.741)
Lost Division Finals
1965-66 Boston Celtics Season
1965-66 Boston Celtics
54-26 (.675)
Won NBA Finals
1964-65 Boston Celtics Season
1964-65 Boston Celtics
62-18 (.775)
Won NBA Finals
1963-64 Boston Celtics Season
1963-64 Boston Celtics
59-21 (.738)
Won NBA Finals
1962-63 Boston Celtics Season
1962-63 Boston Celtics
58-22 (.725)
Won NBA Finals
1961-62 Boston Celtics Season
1961-62 Boston Celtics
60-20 (.750)
Won NBA Finals
1960-61 Boston Celtics Season
1960-61 Boston Celtics
57-22 (.722)
Won NBA Finals
1959-60 Boston Celtics Season
1959-60 Boston Celtics
59-16 (.787)
Won NBA Finals
1958-59 Boston Celtics Season
1958-59 Boston Celtics
52-20 (.722)
Won NBA Finals
1957-58 Boston Celtics Season
1957-58 Boston Celtics
49-23 (.681)
Lost NBA Finals
1956-57 Boston Celtics Season
1956-57 Boston Celtics
44-28 (.611)
Won NBA Finals
1955-56 Boston Celtics Season
1955-56 Boston Celtics
39-33 (.542)
Lost Division Semifinals
1954-55 Boston Celtics Season
1954-55 Boston Celtics
36-36 (.500)
Lost Division Finals
1953-54 Boston Celtics Season
1953-54 Boston Celtics
42-30 (.583)
Lost Division Finals
1952-53 Boston Celtics Season
1952-53 Boston Celtics
46-25 (.648)
Lost Division Finals
1951-52 Boston Celtics Season
1951-52 Boston Celtics
39-27 (.591)
Lost Division Semifinals
1950-51 Boston Celtics Season
1950-51 Boston Celtics
39-30 (.565)
Lost Division Semifinals
1949-50 Boston Celtics Season
1949-50 Boston Celtics
22-46 (.324)
Missed Playoffs
1948-49 Boston Celtics Season
1948-49 Boston Celtics
25-35 (.417)
Missed Playoffs
1947-48 Boston Celtics Season
1947-48 Boston Celtics
20-28 (.417)
Lost Quarterfinals
1946-47 Boston Celtics Season
1946-47 Boston Celtics
22-38 (.367)
Missed Playoffs

Related Content

Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Boston Celtics Seasons
F i l t e r   &   S o r t  Filter & Sort
F i l t e r
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S e a r c h
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Boston Celtics Media Guidepublication
Boston Celtics Media Guide
79 issues 1947-2025
This media guide is a comprehensive resource created by the team to provide detailed information about its players, coaches, history,...
/ This media guide is a comprehensive resource created by the team to provide detailed information about its players, coaches, history, and season schedule. Released annually, it serves journalists, broadcasters, and fans by offering accurate profiles, statistics, and historical records. The guide enhances media coverage, fan engagement, and promotional efforts.
1956-57 Boston Celtics Team Statistics and Player Highlightspublication
1956-57 Boston Celtics Team Statistics and Player Highlights
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1958-59 Boston Celtics Team Statistics and Highlights Vintage Photopublication
1958-59 Boston Celtics Team Statistics and Highlights Vintage Photo
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1959-60 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overviewpublication
1959-60 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1960-61 Boston Celtics Statistics and Team Photo Showcasepublication
1960-61 Boston Celtics Statistics and Team Photo Showcase
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1961-62 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overviewpublication
1961-62 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1962-63 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overviewpublication
1962-63 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
Bill Russell's Dominance: Vintage 1963 Celtics Action Momentpublication
Bill Russell's Dominance: Vintage 1963 Celtics Action Moment
Page from publication Feb 1, 1963
...
/
1963-64 Boston Celtics Team Statistics and Championship Overviewpublication
1963-64 Boston Celtics Team Statistics and Championship Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1964-65 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overviewpublication
1964-65 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1965-66 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overviewpublication
1965-66 Boston Celtics Team Photo and Season Statistics Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1967-68 Boston Celtics Team Portrait and Boston Garden Overviewpublication
1967-68 Boston Celtics Team Portrait and Boston Garden Overview
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.
1967-68 Boston Celtics Team Stats and Highlights Featuring Red Auerbachpublication
1967-68 Boston Celtics Team Stats and Highlights Featuring Red Auerbach
Page from publication 1969
The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as...
/ The Sporting News released a large annual guide every year that covered all team, league, and player stats, as well as a detailed breakdown of each team. This was considered the official NBA guide for many decades.

Celtics History

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  • Seasons
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  • Logo History
  • Audio & Video Clips
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  • Links Website
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