The Boston Celtics, known as one of the most historic and accomplished teams in the NBA and in all of professional sports, have had numerous dominant teams throughout their storied history. With the recent win of their record-breaking 18th NBA championship, it is time to reminisce and count down the franchise’s greatest teams of all time.
Coming in at number 5 on the list are the 1983-84 Celtics. Led by the legendary Larry Bird, this team had an impressive stretch of dominance in the 1980s, capturing three NBA titles in six seasons. Although not the best team from this era, the ’84 Celtics were remarkable, posting 62 wins in a single season. Bird was supported by essential co-stars Kevin McHale and Robert Parish in the frontcourt. In fact, McHale won Sixth Man of the Year in the 1983-84 season. Dennis Johnson’s elite perimeter defense and Cedric Maxwell’s all-around play were also integral to the team’s success. The ’84 Celtics famously defeated their arch-rivals, the Lakers, in a classic seven-game NBA Finals series.
During the 1960s, no team dominated their era quite like the Celtics. Winning the championship in all but one season of the ’60s, the core led by Bill Russell captured an incredible 11 championships in 13 seasons. The 1964-65 Celtics stand out as the best team from this era, winning 62 games, the most of any team at that time. With six hall-of-fame players on their roster, including Russell, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones, the ’65 Celtics were a force to be reckoned with. Havlicek’s game-clinching shot during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals has gone down in history as one of the most famous plays in NBA history. Ultimately, the ’65 Celtics are deemed the best team from this unmatched stretch of dominance.
Ranked at number 4 are the 2007-08 Celtics, led by the big three of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Though they only captured one championship, their championship run in 2008 was unforgettable. Rajon Rondo, a rookie at the time, played a crucial role with his exceptional playmaking skills. The ’08 Celtics were known for their dominant defense, considered one of the best in NBA history, with Garnett earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Additionally, they posted the sixth-best net rating of all time. The Celtics clinched the NBA Finals over the Lakers in seven games, with Pierce crowned as the Finals MVP.
Throughout the years, the Boston Celtics have showcased incredible talent and teamwork, solidifying their place as one of the greatest franchises in basketball history.
