The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in all of professional sports. The Celtics were a charter member of the Basketball Association of America which later became the NBA.

As of January 2010, the Celtics in first place in the Atlantic Division. They trail only the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference race for home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

History

The Celtics proud history began in in the mid 1940's. The early years were a struggle. It was during the mid-50's that everything began to change with the hiring of Arnold "Red" Auerbach, in 1950. It was a few short years later, that the Celtics went on their record setting run that culminated with their eighth consecutive NBA Championship from 1959-1966. No organization in the NBA has won more championships that the Celtics' 17.

• June 6, 1946 - the Celtics are born. A number of men who owned either hockey teams, arenas or both, gathered to discuss a professional basketball league.

• November 5, 1946 - Celtics first game. They were coached by John "Honey" Russell and lost to the Chicago Stags, 57-55.

• March 31, 1948 - Celtics win their first playoff game, also versus the Chicago Stags, 81-77.