CELTIC PRIDE

-Boston Celtics-

League: NBA Founded: 1946
Location: Boston, Massachussetts
Conference/Division: Eastern Conference/Atlantic Division
Team Owner: Wycliff ‘Wyc’ Grousebeck
Arena: Boston Garden; FleetCenter/T.D. Banknorth Garden, Boston

The parquet floor of the Boston Celtics home court known as ‘The Garden’ holds a mysterious aura to those who have heard of the famed “Celtic Pride” mantra. The place gives out somewhat of an eerie sense (making the hair on the back of your neck rise) due to its storied history, to the point where you could almost hear the ghostly cheers of the fans of decades past and feel the intensity it brought to the arena, in effect giving you goosebumps. The franchise is as old as the league itself; one of only 2 original NBA teams (New York Knicks is the other) whose name and location of origin has not changed since its inception in 1946 thereby setting itself apart from the would-be competition.

No other team in the league has ever come close to the glorified status the Celtics has achieved. The franchise lays claim to 16 NBA championship trophies spread out over three decades of dominance which includes eight consecutive titles (1959-66), the most in NBA history. Boston’s rise to stellar status came about with winning not just titles but respect as well. The franchise totally trampled over the competition in the 1960’s, their historic championship run coming at the expense of another elite franchise in the Los Angeles Lakers- which up til now is still considered just the bridesmaid (for lack of a better word…) in terms of NBA title count. The mere mention of Celtics versus Lakers stirs up images of a rivalry born in the early years of the league. With Boston always being the main agitator, they were the only team to repeatedly deny the powerhouse Lakers the NBA title in the 60’s (back then the Lakers have this bad luck charm called Baylor…).

Throughout history, the archrivals have met 10 times in the NBA Finals with the Celtics walking away with the title on eight straight occasions in the 60’s. Both teams even took turns taking home the trophy in the 80’s where the Lakers, after 16 years, finally got the chance to return the favor to the Celtics albeit just twice in 1985 and 1987. But it was somewhat of a bittersweet revenge for the Lakers since they were not able to even up the score with Boston (boo-hoo!). And like a slap in the face, the 14 NBA titles the Lakers have compiled is surpassed by no other than the Celtics which has 16 even though Boston ceased to be a title contender after the 1987 season. This in essence makes the Lakers still just second best- the bridesmaid indeed…

The Boston franchise have remained dormant for the past two decades, silently and patiently rebuilding to once again make noise and contend for the championship. Forward on to the 2008 NBA Finals and no one saw it coming- Lakers vs. Celtics. Everybody was watching. An old rivalry was rekindled and for the 11th time and these two proud organizations scratched it out for the NBA title. With a different cast of players and an All-Star or two on either team (make that THREE for the men in green! Shrek not included…) it was yet again another toss-up for the NBA title between these two bitter rivals. Celtic pride and glory was laid out on the line and prevailed once more over the Los Angeles bridesmaids giving Boston their 17th NBA championship title and another heartache for the Lakers fans everywhere. (Did I just mention ‘bridesmaid’ again?)

A glorious past... Seventeen NBA championship trophies spread out over four decades: from Bill Russell and Bob Cousy in the 60’s to Dave Cowens and John Havlicek in the 70’s to Larry Bird and Kevin McHale in the 80’s and to the big three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in 2008. Pretenders and contenders alike have come and gone through the years, but the Celtics legacy has stood the test of time.

TEAM AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS:

17 TIME NBA CHAMPIONS (1957/1959-66/1968/1969/1974/1976/1981/1984/1986/2008)
20 EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES
17 ATLANTIC DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES*
46 PLAYOFFS APPEARANCES