1966
Boston Celtics
Series Flow
0
Wins
0
Losses
Regular Season
54–26
Win–Loss
Playoff Record
11–6
Win–Loss
Finals
0–0
vs Los Angeles Lakers
Finals MVP
Russell
Bill
Boston Celtics
54–26Los Angeles Lakers
45–35Jerry West and Elgin Baylor pushed the Celtics to seven games for the second time in three years.
Finals MVP
Bill Russell
#6 · Center
14.0
PPG
25.0
RPG
Red Auerbach's last championship — lit his victory cigar for the final time as coach.
Red Auerbach's last championship as head coach — retired to become GM
9th title in 10 years
How the Series Unfolded
The Champions
John Havlicek
#17 · Forward
22.0
PPG
Future of the franchise emerging alongside Russell.
They Pushed Us to the Limit
Jerry West and Elgin Baylor pushed the Celtics to seven games for the second time in three years.
Jerry West
#44 · Guard
35.0
PPG
The greatest Finals performer who never won — 35 PPG in the series.
History Written in 1966
Boston Celtics
9th championship in 10 years — Red Auerbach's final game as head coach
Red Auerbach
Final championship as head coach — lit his victory cigar for the last time. Handed the keys to Bill Russell.
Beyond the Box Score
Red Auerbach retired as head coach after this championship and named Bill Russell as his successor — the first Black head coach in major American professional sports history.
The Full Story
Red Auerbach lit his victory cigar for the final time as head coach. Nine championships in ten years. He handed the franchise to Bill Russell — making him the first Black head coach in major American professional sports history. The dynasty would continue for three more years.