Celtics City

As the Boston Celtics celebrate their record 18th NBA title, the franchise's origins are traced back to the arrival of Red Auerbach in 1950 and his uncompromising vision for success. Auerbach builds a powerhouse led by Bob Cousy and Bill Russell, but racial tensions in Boston and beyond augur a tumultuous era ahead.

At the peak of the civil rights movement, Bill Russell faces death threats when he joins the struggle. As the Celtics’ winning continues, Russell makes history when he replaces Auerbach and becomes the first Black head coach in professional sports. In his new role, Russell leads the Celtics to their 11th title in a dramatic seven-game series against the Lakers in 1969.

Larry Bird arrives in Boston as a beacon of hope, as the city continues to grapple with racial tensions. His blend of talent and tenacity, rivalry with Magic Johnson, and battles against Julius Erving help elevate a struggling NBA to new heights. Bird helps lead the Celtics to their 14th championship in 1981 – but internal discord threatens to derail another potential dynasty.

As the Celtics and Lakers battle for basketball supremacy, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s rivalry captivates the sports world and helps fuel complex conversations about race and Boston’s lingering reputation. Then, in 1986, an unthinkable tragedy changes everything.

As the tragic death of Len Bias after the 1986 draft casts a shadow over the Celtics, Larry Bird’s style of play begins to take its toll. Though he fights through pain to extend his career, Bird ultimately retires in 1992 – closing a historic chapter for the Celtics and the NBA.

As the Celtics struggle to find a new identity, Reggie Lewis appears poised to lead a resurgence...before his sudden death leaves the franchise and city in mourning again. Following the arrival of new team president and coach Rick Pitino in 1997, the team spirals into a steep decline. Then, in 2000, promising forward Paul Pierce is stabbed in a Boston nightclub.

Hope is restored after Paul Pierce survives his stabbing and emerges as a franchise cornerstone, leading Boston back to the playoffs. After another downturn, former Celtic Danny Ainge takes over as GM and makes a series of bold moves to acquire Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to form a new “Big Three” with Pierce.

Following the franchise’s 2008 title, injuries, age, and internal conflict take their toll. A decade later, rising stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum step up to carry the weight of the Celtics’ storied tradition. In 2024, the team captures its record-breaking 18th championship, further cementing its legacy as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history.