The Boston Celtics are one of the most famous teams in basketball history. Founded in 1946, this team has a rich tradition and a long list of great players. From legends like Bill Russell and Larry Bird to the stars of today, the Celtics have always been a force on the court. With 17 NBA championships to their name, they are tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in league history. Fans love to share their favorite moments and facts about the team, which makes Celtics trivia both fun and exciting!
Today, we’ll take a closer look at some interesting and surprising facts about the Boston Celtics. Whether you are a die-hard fan or just starting to learn about the team, you’ll find something here that will make you smile or maybe even impress your friends. From unique player records to unforgettable games, there’s so much to know about this iconic franchise. Get ready to test your knowledge and see just how much you really know about the Celtics! Let’s jump right into some trivia that will surely boost your Celtics IQ!
Boston Celtics Trivia
Legends of the Boston Celtics
1. Who is the Celtics player known for winning 11 championships? (Answer: Bill Russell)
2. Which Celtics legend is famous for his “hick from French Lick” nickname? (Answer: Larry Bird)
3. What position did Bob Cousy predominantly play? (Answer: Point guard)
4. Who was the first player to have his number retired by the Celtics? (Answer: Bob Cousy)
5. Which Celtics player holds the record for the most points in a single game? (Answer: Larry Bird)
6. Who is known as the “Big Ticket” during his time with the Celtics? (Answer: Kevin Garnett)
7. Which Celtics player was the second player in NBA history to score over 30,000 points? (Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)
8. Which key player helped lead the Celtics to their 17th championship in 2008? (Answer: Paul Pierce)
9. What is the nickname of the Celtics’ arena, the TD Garden? (Answer: The Garden)
10. Which Celtics great helped popularize the “triple-double” in the NBA? (Answer: Larry Bird)
Great Moments in Boston Celtics History
1. What year did the Celtics win their first NBA championship? (Answer: 1957)
2. How many consecutive championships did the Celtics win from 1959 to 1966? (Answer: Eight)
3. Who hit the famous buzzer-beater in Game 5 of the 1984 Finals? (Answer: Gerald Henderson)
4. In what year did the Celtics complete their historic comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals? (Answer: 1984)
5. What significant record did the Celtics achieve in the 1985-86 season? (Answer: 67 wins)
6. What was the final score of the legendary 1985 Christmas Day game against the Lakers? (Answer: 105-103)
7. How many points did Paul Pierce score in the decisive Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals? (Answer: 19 points)
8. Which year did the Celtics win their last championship? (Answer: 2008)
9. Who was named the Finals MVP in 2008? (Answer: Paul Pierce)
10. In which year did the Celtics first play in the NBA as an expansion team? (Answer: 1946)
Coaching Greats in Celtics History
1. Who was the Celtics head coach during their dominance in the 1980s? (Answer: K.C. Jones)
2. Which Celtics coach is known for introducing the fast break offense? (Answer: Red Auerbach)
3. How many championships did Red Auerbach win as head coach of the Celtics? (Answer: 9)
4. Who replaced Doc Rivers as the head coach of the Celtics in 2013? (Answer: Brad Stevens)
5. What innovative strategy did Coach Auerbach use to help the Celtics win? (Answer: Fast break and defensive tactics)
6. Which legendary coach led the Celtics to the most victories in franchise history? (Answer: Red Auerbach)
7. Who was the first African-American coach in NBA history, coaching the Celtics? (Answer: Bill Russell)
8. Which coach brought the Celtics back to prominence in the late 1990s? (Answer: Rick Pitino)
9. How many games did Brad Stevens win in his first season coaching the Celtics? (Answer: 40 games)
10. Which coach was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1960? (Answer: Red Auerbach)
Celtics Fierce Rivals
1. Which team is the Celtics’ biggest rival known historically? (Answer: Los Angeles Lakers)
2. What is the name of the rivalry series between the Celtics and Lakers? (Answer: The NBA Finals)
3. How many NBA Finals have the Celtics and Lakers faced off in? (Answer: 12)
4. Who was the Lakers’ star during the height of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry in the 1980s? (Answer: Magic Johnson)
5. Which team did the Celtics face in the 2008 NBA Finals? (Answer: Los Angeles Lakers)
6. Besides the Lakers, which other team is considered a strong rival of the Celtics? (Answer: Philadelphia 76ers)
7. Who was the 76ers’ star player during the 1980s that fueled their rivalry with the Celtics? (Answer: Julius Erving)
8. How many Eastern Conference Finals have the Celtics and the 76ers played against each other? (Answer: 19)
9. Which team did the Celtics face in the 1982 Eastern Conference Finals? (Answer: Philadelphia 76ers)
10. In what year did the Celtics and the 76ers last meet in the playoffs? (Answer: 2012)
Celtics Notable Players through the Years
1. Who was the first player selected by the Celtics in the 1946 NBA Draft? (Answer: Charlie Scott)
2. Which player did the Celtics trade for Ray Allen in 2007? (Answer: Delonte West)
3. What year did Kevin McHale retire from the Celtics? (Answer: 1993)
4. Who is the Celtics’ all-time leader in rebounds? (Answer: Bill Russell)
5. What is the jersey number worn by Rajon Rondo during his tenure with the Celtics? (Answer: 9)
6. Who was the Celtics’ first draft pick in the 2006 NBA Draft? (Answer: Rajon Rondo)
7. How many seasons did Paul Pierce play for the Celtics? (Answer: 15 seasons)
8. Which Celtics legend had his jersey number 34 retired after leaving the team? (Answer: Paul Pierce)
9. Which member of the Celtics is known for his famous dunking ability? (Answer: Dominique Wilkins)
10. Who inspired the nickname “The Truth” for Paul Pierce? (Answer: Shaquille O’Neal)
A Glimpse into Celtics Celebrations and Culture
1. What is the name of the Celtics’ mascot? (Answer: Lucky the Leprechaun)
2. Which color is primarily associated with the Celtics’ branding? (Answer: Green)
3. What is the traditional opening ceremony for Celtics home games? (Answer: National Anthem)
4. Which famous song often accompanies the Celtics during home games? (Answer: “Sweet Caroline”)
5. What chant do Celtics fans perform during games to motivate their team? (Answer: “Let’s go Celtics”)
6. How many banners are hanging from the rafters of the TD Garden? (Answer: 17)
7. What trophy is awarded to the winner of the NBA Finals? (Answer: Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy)
8. Which holiday game is a tradition where the Celtics play annually? (Answer: Christmas Day)
9. What is the Celtics’ home court advantage known as? (Answer: The Garden)
10. Which famous Boston landmark do Celtics fans often gather at on game days? (Answer: Boston Common)
Final Thoughts
The Boston Celtics have a rich history filled with legendary players, unforgettable moments, and fierce rivalries that make them one of the most iconic franchises in sports. From Bill Russell’s remarkable championship wins to Larry Bird’s sensational plays, every fact adds to the Celtics story. As we explored 80 trivia questions, you likely discovered something new about this historic team. Whether you’re reminiscing about the great teams of the past or learning about the stars of today, the passion for the Celtics is shared by many. For more trivia about this great city, check out Boston Trivia or you can dive into Boston trivia facts that extend beyond the basketball court!