The Boston Celtics, with their amazing 18 championships and a stretch of 11 titles in 13 years, are considered NBA royalty. However, not every chapter in their history is filled with celebration. Behind all the wins and celebrations, there are moments that make fans sad and nervous. Let’s look back at 10 such moments!
Magic’s Shot that Hurt Boston
During the 1987 NBA Finals, the Celtics took on the Lakers in a fiercely competitive Game 4. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson went head-to-head in this intense matchup that would become a historic moment. Magic pulled off his famous “junior sky hook,” sealing the win for the Lakers.
Big Three’s Final Heartbreaker
The Celtics’ Big Three, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, had a good run and made it to the 2010 NBA Finals. They were playing 3-2 against the Lakers, but then Kendrick Perkins hurt his knee. The Celtics lost the series, missing out on their 18th title.
A Wild Moment at Boston Garden
On May 27, 1976, during a game at Boston Garden, the fans were very excited. After John Havlicek made an important shot, the crowd ran onto the court. Out of nowhere, a fan punched the referee, Richie Powers. Even with all the chaos, the Celtics won their 13th title.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Len Bias was a basketball genius, often compared to Michael Jordan. Drafted by the Celtics in 1986, his career looked very promising. But just two days later, he tragically died from a drug overdose. The basketball world was shocked and sad.
A Shocking Tragedy
Rising star Reggie Lewis was making a name for himself with the Celtics and his strong performance at Northeastern University. On July 27, 1993, he collapsed and passed away while practicing at Brandeis University. Fans and teammates were sad, thinking about the future he could have had.
Remembering Walter Brown
Walter Brown, the guy who started the Celtics, died in 1964. His name is in the Boston Garden, not because he played, but because he was the first owner and helped start the league. He helped make the Celtics great, while his passing away was really hard for the team.
The Day Pierce and Garnett Packed Their Bags
This felt like a bad breakup. One day, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were the Celtics’ heartbeat; the next, it became history. Danny Ainge decided to trade our heroes for a bunch of new faces. Pierce later said, “I loved it here. I never wanted to leave.”
The End of the Championship Streak
Winning so many games in a row must have felt great, but it all ended in 1967 when they lost 140-116 to Philadelphia. Bill Russell, who was both a player and the coach, told his team to say “good job” to the other team.
Gordon Hayward’s Tough Start
So, In 2017, Danny Ainge made some big changes. He traded Isaiah Thomas for Kyrie Irving and brought in Gordon Hayward. Fans were super excited. Six minutes into Hayward’s first game, he got a terrible injury. His ankle twisted the wrong way, and he broke a bone in his leg.
Patrick Ewing’s Big Surprise at the Garden
After a big win over Patrick Ewing’s Knicks, fans thought Boston was set for the playoffs. But in Game 4, the Knicks shocked everyone by beating the Celtics on their own court. It was the first time Boston lost an important playoff game at home.
10 Devastating Moments In Boston Celtics History