The Boston Celtics are one of the most historic and successful teams in professional sports, boasting numerous dominant seasons. With their recent 18th NBA championship, it’s a perfect time to highlight the franchise’s greatest teams.
### Top 5 Greatest Boston Celtics Teams of All Time
#### Honorable Mentions: 1961-62, 1973-74, 1980-81
**5. 1983-84 Celtics**
– **Key Players**: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, Cedric Maxwell
– **Achievements**: 62 wins, NBA Championship
– **Notable**: This season marked the beginning of Bird’s three consecutive MVP awards. McHale won Sixth Man of the Year. The team triumphed over the Lakers in a classic seven-game NBA Finals.
**4. 1964-65 Celtics**
– **Key Players**: Bill Russell, John Havlicek, Sam Jones, K.C. Jones, Tom Sanders, Tom Heinsohn
– **Achievements**: 62 wins, NBA Championship
– **Notable**: The ’60s Celtics were dominant, winning 11 championships in 13 seasons. The ’64-’65 team is particularly notable for its 62-win season and Havlicek’s game-clinching steal in the Eastern Conference Finals.
**3. 2007-08 Celtics**
– **Key Players**: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo
– **Achievements**: 66 wins, NBA Championship
– **Notable**: This team had one of the best defenses of all time, with Garnett earning Defensive Player of the Year. They defeated the Lakers in the Finals, with Pierce named Finals MVP.
**2. 2023-24 Celtics**
– **Key Players**: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford
– **Achievements**: 64 wins, NBA Championship
– **Notable**: The team posted top-five all-time rankings in both net rating and point differential. Known for their balance, they had the league’s best offense and second-best defense. The Tatum-Brown duo finally secured their first championship together.
**1. 1985-86 Celtics**
– **Key Players**: Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Dennis Johnson, Danny Ainge
– **Achievements**: 67 wins, NBA Championship
– **Notable**: Widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, the ’85-’86 Celtics featured an incredible frontcourt and depth. Bird won his third consecutive MVP, and Walton was named Sixth Man of the Year. They dominated the playoffs with a 16-3 record.
These teams not only showcase the Celtics’ rich history but also highlight their sustained excellence and influence on the NBA.
