When did the Celtics and Lakers first meet in the Finals?
The Boston Celtics and Minneapolis Lakers met for the first time in the 1959 Finals on April 9. The Celtics swept the series four games to zero, ending the Lakers' dominance.
Questions about Celtics–Lakers rivalry
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many championships have the Celtics won compared to the Lakers?
The Celtics hold 18 championships while the Lakers have 17 titles combined from Minneapolis and Los Angeles. Together they account for 35 of the 78 total NBA championships since 1946.
Who led the Celtics during their eight-year championship streak against the Lakers?
Bill Russell led the Celtics through six Finals meetings against the new Los Angeles squad between 1962 and 1969. This era included dramatic seven-game series in 1962, 1966, and 1969.
What happened during Game 5 of the 1984 Finals between the Celtics and Lakers?
Game 5 became known as the Heat Game due to temperatures reaching 97 degrees Fahrenheit inside the un-airconditioned Boston Garden. Kevin McHale takedowns Kurt Rambis increased physical aggression throughout the playoffs.
Which game holds the record for the largest margin in an NBA championship-clinching game?
The Celtics won the 2008 series four games to two with a dominant 131, 92 victory in Game 6. That margin remains the largest ever in an NBA championship-clinching game.