The Boston CelticsDuring this period, only one team in the league truly dominated the era, the Boston Celtics. Celtics coach Red Auerbach, combined for a 795–397 record that helped the Celtics win 16 Championships. He passed away 4 years ago, and is currently in the NBA Hall of Fame. The Celtics currently have 17 NBA Championships, the best in franchise history.
THE BOSTON WHAT? The Boston Celtics are a team in the NBA based on Boston, Masachussets. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. From 1957 to 1969, the Celtics dominated the league winning 11 championships in 13 years, and eight in a row (1959–1966), the longest consecutive streak of any North American pro sports team. The Celtics dominated the league during the late 1950s with the help of many Hall of Famers like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and John Havlicek. Their team from the early 50s to the 60s was another dynasty formed in the league. This consisted of legends like KC Jones, Sam Jones, Tom Sanders, Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Bill Russell. |
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Growth of Franchise and Rise of other teamsFrom 1966 to 1968, the league expanded from 9 to 14 teams, introducing the Chicago Bulls, Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder), San Diego Rockets (who relocated to Houston four years later), Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns.
More players were also recognized. Players like Jerry Lucas, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, and Wilt Chamberlain. These guys weren't recognized just because of the dominance of the Celtics. In 1967, the league faced a new external threat with the formation of the American Basketball Association (ABA). The leagues engaged in a bidding war. The NBA landed the most important college star of the era, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (then known as Lew Alcindor). However, the NBA's leading scorer, Rick Barry, jumped to the ABA. |