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Boston Celtics: Past and Present

Picture of Barrett Gibson

CURRENT DAY: Picking up where we left off on the last post, the Boston Celtics have played an additional six games in the time in between. The Celtics played and defeated the Toronto Raptors (117-94), the New York Knicks (114-98), the Philadelphia 76ers (117-107), the Toronto Raptors again (108-105), and the Memphis Grizzlies (102-100). But not every game can be a victory, as sadly, last night, the Celtics received their first loss of the season. The Celtics went head-to-head with the Charlotte Hornets and lost 121-118. Celtics fans won't have to wait long to see their team in action again, however, as tomorrow night, the Celtics take on their biggest threat, the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks, much like the Celtics, have been one of the most dominant teams in the league over the past couple of years, and with their offseason trades bringing former Portland Trailblazers superstar Damian Lillard to Milwaukee, it seems that trend will continue. These teams have had it out for each other over the past few years, constantly battling it out in the Eastern Conference finals. This is a game fans on both sides are anxious to watch, as they are all wondering what the rivalry will look like in comparison to last year. As a current Celtics fan who lives two doors down from a Bucks fan, I am eager to see a Celtics win tomorrow and rub it in my neighbor's face.

No trades have occurred yet this season for the Boston Celtics, with the roster that was placed in last week's post still being an up-to-date version of the roster. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are still leading the team with great efficiency and living up to their all-star mantles. The team's recent addition of Jrue Holiday has proven very beneficial as well, with Jrue becoming a nice fit as the Celtics' new point guard. Many fans were excited to see Jrue join the teams' roster, with naysayers being quickly silenced through Jrue's great performances. No matter how great Jrue Holiday plays this season, he was acquired at a great cost, and he needs to make sure to continue to play at this level so that the team will not have given up its best defensive player, Marcus Smart, for a player who's not giving the team his all. I originally was against the trade myself, but in light of Jrue's latest performance, I have warmed up to his addition to the team. But, as previously mentioned, he needs to keep it up. Now that we are up to date with the modern day aspect of the Celtics, lets take a look at some of this dynasty's history, starting with it's greatest player, Larry Bird.

CELTICS HISTORY PT.1:

Larry Bird: 

Larry Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the NBA (National Basketball Association). Born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Bird's impact on the game extends beyond his impressive statistics. His illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades, championships, and a lasting legacy.

Larry Bird's basketball journey began in earnest at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game in 1979. That year, Bird faced off against a Michigan State team led by a young Magic Johnson in what is considered one of the greatest NCAA Finals matchups. Although Indiana State fell short, Bird's outstanding performance and leadership on the court garnered significant attention.

Drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, Bird quickly made his mark in the professional league. His arrival in Boston coincided with the emergence of the Celtics as a dominant force in the NBA. Bird's skills were multidimensional — he was an exceptional scorer, rebounder, passer, and a tenacious defender.

Over the course of his career, Bird led the Celtics to three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. He was a key figure in the intense rivalry between the Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s, a rivalry that became one of the defining narratives of that era. Bird's matchups against Magic Johnson, both in the regular season and the NBA Finals, captivated basketball fans and elevated the league's popularity.

Larry Bird's individual achievements are equally impressive. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star, a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. Bird's ability to perform in clutch situations earned him the nickname "Larry Legend." He had a deadly shooting touch, exceptional court vision, and a basketball IQ that set him apart from his peers.

CELTICS HISTORY PT.2:

The Historic Celtics-Lakers Rivalry: A Tale of Legends and Championships

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry stands as one of the most storied and enduring rivalries in the history of professional basketball, captivating fans and defining eras in the sport. Rooted in decades of competition, passion, and excellence, the rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers has become synonymous with NBA greatness.

The roots of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry trace back to the early years of the NBA, with both franchises establishing themselves as powerhouse teams in the 1950s and 1960s. The Celtics, led by legendary coach Red Auerbach and star player Bill Russell, dominated the league with a remarkable string of championships. Meanwhile, the Lakers, fueled by the brilliance of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, sought to dethrone the Celtics and establish their own legacy.

The rivalry reached new heights in the 1980s when two of the greatest players in NBA history, Larry Bird of the Celtics and Magic Johnson of the Lakers, took center stage. The Celtics and Lakers faced each other in the NBA Finals three times in the 1980s, creating a basketball spectacle that transcended the sport. Bird and Magic, though fierce competitors on the court, developed a mutual respect that added a layer of sportsmanship to the intense rivalry.

The 1984 and 1985 NBA Finals showcased the epitome of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. The duels between Bird's Celtics and Magic's Lakers became iconic, with both teams embodying contrasting styles of play. The Lakers' "Showtime" fast-break offense clashed with the Celtics' gritty, team-oriented approach, creating a fascinating narrative that captured the hearts of basketball enthusiasts worldwide.

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry has left an indelible mark on the NBA's history, shaping the league's identity and captivating fans across generations. The fierce competition and high stakes of the Finals matchups contributed to the growth of the NBA as a global phenomenon. The rivalry not only showcased the brilliance of individual talents but also emphasized the importance of teamwork, strategy, and resilience in achieving success at the highest level.

While the intensity of the rivalry diminished in the late 20th century, it experienced a revival in the 2000s. The Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, and the Celtics, spearheaded by Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, clashed in the 2008 NBA Finals, rekindling memories of the historic battles from decades earlier. The Celtics emerged victorious, adding another chapter to the ongoing saga of Celtics-Lakers lore.

The Celtics-Lakers rivalry transcends basketball; it is a cultural phenomenon that has become a cornerstone of NBA history. From the battles between Russell and West to the iconic duels between Bird and Magic, and the modern clashes featuring Bryant and Pierce, the rivalry has evolved but maintained its status as a symbol of excellence, competition, and the pursuit of greatness. As the NBA continues to evolve, the Celtics-Lakers rivalry remains a timeless testament to the enduring spirit of competition that defines the sport.

 
CONCLUSION: Now that we have covered the modern day and historical aspects of the Boston Celtics franchise, it is time to draw this post to a close. I love covering my favorite team in all of sports and I hope you all learned something about the Boston Celtics through this post. Stay tuned for more!