NBA · Franchise founded 1946
Boston Celtics
No franchise has won more NBA championships. Boston's story comes in waves: Bill Russell's Celtics turned winning into a habit in the 1950s and 1960s, Larry Bird's teams revived the rivalry with the Lakers in the 1980s, and the franchise added titles in 2008 and 2024.
Turning points
1959–1966
Eight straight championships with Bill Russell — a run no major U.S. team has matched.
1981–1986
Three titles in six years with Larry Bird at the center of the Celtics–Lakers rivalry.
2024
An 18th championship, won against Dallas, the most in league history.
The Boston Celtics have reached the NBA Finals 23 times and won 18 championships, most recently in 2024. Turning points are checked against the sources listed on our content policy page.
Finals history
| Year | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Dallas Mavericks | Won title |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors | Lost |
| 2010 | Los Angeles Lakers | Lost |
| 2008 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1987 | Los Angeles Lakers | Lost |
| 1986 | Houston Rockets | Won title |
| 1985 | Los Angeles Lakers | Lost |
| 1984 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1981 | Houston Rockets | Won title |
| 1976 | Phoenix Suns | Won title |
| 1974 | Milwaukee Bucks | Won title |
| 1969 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1968 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1966 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1965 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1964 | San Francisco Warriors | Won title |
| 1963 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1962 | Los Angeles Lakers | Won title |
| 1961 | St. Louis Hawks | Won title |
| 1960 | St. Louis Hawks | Won title |
| 1959 | Minneapolis Lakers | Won title |
| 1958 | St. Louis Hawks | Lost |
| 1957 | St. Louis Hawks | Won title |