Boston Celtics Playoff History

Boston Celtics Playoffs: 1940s-50s

The Boston Celtics formed in 1946, making their first appearance in the playoffs in 1948. The Boston Celtics lost to the Chicago Stags in the 1948 series, and Boston would go through a tough period that saw The Celtics ineligible from the playoffs from 1949-50. The Boston Celtics’ fortune would change almost instantly in one off season with a dramatic rebuilding phase. The acquisition of Ed Macauley and Bob Cousy provided the Celtics with a great base to build on for future NBA greatness.

The Boston Celtics put together an impressive offense that led the Celtics dominating regular season play. However, the Boston Celtics were eliminated in the playoffs for six consecutive years thanks to a porous defense. The Boston Celtics’ acquisition of future NBA legend Bill Russell in 1956 was the key to a dynasty. In a classic series, the Boston Celtics defeated the St. Louis Hawks to win Boston’s first NBA Championship in 1957. The next season, Boston would fall to St. Louis in the NBA Championship. In 1959, Bill Russell would lead the Celtics to championship gold once again.

Boston Celtics Playoffs: A Dynasty

With Bill Russell in the lead, the Boston Celtics would truly become a dynasty. The Boston Celtics went on a run of eight straight NBA Championships from 1959-66, possibly the most impressive run in NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain and the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics in the playoffs in 1967. In 1968, Bill Russell carried the Boston Celtics to another NBA Championship in a classic series against the LA Lakers. Russell and The Boston Celtics would meet the Lakers again in 1969 in the playoff finals, and Boston captured the title again.  

Boston Celtics Playoffs: Rebuilding

After Russell retired in 1969, the Boston Celtics slid into a phase of retooling. Despite this phase, the Boston Celtics were able to make the playoffs in 1971-76, including two more NBA championships in 1974 and 1976. After the 1976 season, the Boston Celtics fell out of playoff contention. With the sixth pick in the 1978 NBA draft, the Boston Celtics selected Larry Bird. Bird stayed in college for the 1978-79 season, but his arrival in 1979 was the catalyst that the Celtics needed. Bird led the Celtics to the playoffs, but they fell short of the championship series.

Boston Celtics Playoffs: Bird Flies

With Larry Bird at the head of the attack, the Boston Celtics would build on what they accomplished in the 1979-80 season. The Boston Celtics traded for Robert Parrish and drafted Kevin McHale to compliment Bird. These off-season actions would prove to be very fruitful, forming “The Big Three” of Bird, McHale, and Parrish. The Big 3 would dominate the NBA in the 1980-81 season and capture the NBA Championship after a great playoff run.

The Boston Celtics would go deep into the playoffs from 1982-83 but were unable to take the crown. The Boston Celtics ran through the NBA in 1983-84 season and defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the championship. In 1985, The Boston Celtics and Lakers met again in the championship round, and again the Boston Celtics reigned supreme. The Boston Celtics sealed the “three-peat” with a win over the Houston Rockets in 1986. The Boston Celtics made it to the NBA finals once again but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Though the Boston Celtics continued to make the playoffs for the rest of the decade, the Boston Celtics never reached championship gold.

Boston Celtics Playoffs: 1990s-2006

Larry Bird retired in 1992, and the departure of the Boston Celtics legend left a gaping hole in both talent and leadership. The Boston Celtics were eliminated early in the 1992 and 1993 playoffs. After that, the Boston Celtics missed the playoffs until 1995. That year would mark the Boston Celtics’ last playoff appearance until 2002. The young pair of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker carried the Boston Celtics on their backs into the 2002 and 2003 playoffs. Walker was traded, but the Boston Celtics made the playoffs again in 2004 and 2005 but were eliminated. The Boston Celtics did not make the playoffs until the 2008 season.

Boston Celtics Playoffs: Comeback

After failing to land either of the top two picks in the 2007 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics traded for both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Teaming them with Paul Pierce instantly moved Boston from the bottom of the NBA to championship contenders. The Boston Celtics began with a record 27-3 start to the season and was already being labeled as the best team in the NBA, with veteran Kevin Garnett having an MVP-caliber season. 

Fans with tickets to the Boston Celtics playoff games will not only get to see one of the NBA’s best teams but also the results of one of the best turnarounds in modern pro sports. Fans of the Boston Celtics that remember the glory days of Larry Bird or new fans wanting to see the most dynamic trio in basketball will love playoff tickets.