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Boston Celtics Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
The Boston Celtics are the gold standard of NBA excellence. With a record 18 World Championships, the parquet floor of the Boston Garden has seen more legends than perhaps any other arena in sports history. Are you a true member of the Celtics faithful? Put your knowledge to the test!
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Check out the latest Boston Celtics jerseys and gear on Amazon here1. In what year was the Boston Celtics franchise founded?
Answer: B) 1946
The Story Behind the Stat: The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 as part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA. Owner Walter Brown chose the name "Celtics" because he wanted a name that reflected Boston's large Irish-American population. The franchise struggled early on until the arrival of Red Auerbach in 1950.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Boston Celtics were founded in 1946 as part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the NBL to form the NBA. Owner Walter Brown chose the name "Celtics" because he wanted a name that reflected Boston's large Irish-American population. The franchise struggled early on until the arrival of Red Auerbach in 1950.
2. How many NBA championships did Bill Russell win as a player with the Celtics?
Answer: C) 11
The Story Behind the Stat: Bill Russell is the winningest player in North American professional sports history. He led the Celtics to 11 titles in 13 seasons, including two as a player-coach. His defensive dominance changed the way the game was played, making the blocked shot a primary weapon.
The Story Behind the Stat: Bill Russell is the winningest player in North American professional sports history. He led the Celtics to 11 titles in 13 seasons, including two as a player-coach. His defensive dominance changed the way the game was played, making the blocked shot a primary weapon.
3. Which legendary Celtics coach was famous for lighting a "victory cigar" when he felt a win was secure?
Answer: C) Red Auerbach
The Story Behind the Stat: Red Auerbach would famously light a cigar on the bench whenever he felt the game was out of reach for the opponent. This became a symbol of Celtics dominance and often infuriated opposing fans and players. Auerbach finished his coaching career with 938 wins and nine championships.
The Story Behind the Stat: Red Auerbach would famously light a cigar on the bench whenever he felt the game was out of reach for the opponent. This became a symbol of Celtics dominance and often infuriated opposing fans and players. Auerbach finished his coaching career with 938 wins and nine championships.
4. Larry Bird was drafted 6th overall in 1978, but in which year did he actually make his NBA debut?
Answer: B) 1979
The Story Behind the Stat: Red Auerbach drafted Larry Bird as a "junior eligible" in 1978, knowing Bird intended to stay at Indiana State for his senior year. This savvy move allowed the Celtics to secure his rights a year early. Bird debuted in the 1979-80 season, immediately winning Rookie of the Year and transforming the franchise.
The Story Behind the Stat: Red Auerbach drafted Larry Bird as a "junior eligible" in 1978, knowing Bird intended to stay at Indiana State for his senior year. This savvy move allowed the Celtics to secure his rights a year early. Bird debuted in the 1979-80 season, immediately winning Rookie of the Year and transforming the franchise.
5. Who holds the record for the most points scored in a single game by a Boston Celtic?
Answer: D) Both A and B
The Story Behind the Stat: Larry Bird set the franchise record with 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks in 1985. Jayson Tatum tied this legendary mark in April 2021 during a massive comeback win against the San Antonio Spurs. Both performances stand as the pinnacle of individual scoring in the team's storied history.
The Story Behind the Stat: Larry Bird set the franchise record with 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks in 1985. Jayson Tatum tied this legendary mark in April 2021 during a massive comeback win against the San Antonio Spurs. Both performances stand as the pinnacle of individual scoring in the team's storied history.
6. Which Celtics legend was known as the "Houdini of the Hardwood"?
Answer: A) Bob Cousy
The Story Behind the Stat: Bob Cousy was a revolutionary playmaker who brought flair and behind-the-back passing to the NBA. His incredible ball-handling skills earned him the nickname "Houdini of the Hardwood." He was a 13-time All-Star and the 1957 NBA MVP.
The Story Behind the Stat: Bob Cousy was a revolutionary playmaker who brought flair and behind-the-back passing to the NBA. His incredible ball-handling skills earned him the nickname "Houdini of the Hardwood." He was a 13-time All-Star and the 1957 NBA MVP.
7. The Celtics won a record-breaking number of consecutive NBA titles between 1959 and 1966. How many did they win in a row?
Answer: C) 8
The Story Behind the Stat: From 1959 to 1966, the Celtics won eight consecutive NBA championships, a feat that has never been matched in any major American professional sport. This dynasty was anchored by Bill Russell and featured a rotating cast of Hall of Famers.
The Story Behind the Stat: From 1959 to 1966, the Celtics won eight consecutive NBA championships, a feat that has never been matched in any major American professional sport. This dynasty was anchored by Bill Russell and featured a rotating cast of Hall of Famers.
8. From which team did the Celtics acquire Kevin Garnett in the blockbuster 2007 trade?
Answer: A) Minnesota Timberwolves
The Story Behind the Stat: In the summer of 2007, Danny Ainge executed a massive trade sending seven players to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. This followed a trade for Ray Allen, forming the "Big Three" alongside Paul Pierce. The trio led Boston to a championship in their very first season together.
The Story Behind the Stat: In the summer of 2007, Danny Ainge executed a massive trade sending seven players to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett. This followed a trade for Ray Allen, forming the "Big Three" alongside Paul Pierce. The trio led Boston to a championship in their very first season together.
9. Who was the first African American head coach in NBA history?
Answer: B) Bill Russell
The Story Behind the Stat: In 1966, Red Auerbach retired from coaching and named Bill Russell his successor. This made Russell the first Black head coach in the history of the four major North American professional sports leagues. Russell served as player-coach for three seasons, winning two championships.
The Story Behind the Stat: In 1966, Red Auerbach retired from coaching and named Bill Russell his successor. This made Russell the first Black head coach in the history of the four major North American professional sports leagues. Russell served as player-coach for three seasons, winning two championships.
10. What is the nickname of the long-time Celtics center Robert Parish?
Answer: B) The Chief
The Story Behind the Stat: Robert Parish was given the nickname "The Chief" by teammate Cedric Maxwell, inspired by the character Chief Bromden from the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Parish was known for his stoic demeanor and incredible longevity, playing 21 seasons in the NBA.
The Story Behind the Stat: Robert Parish was given the nickname "The Chief" by teammate Cedric Maxwell, inspired by the character Chief Bromden from the film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Parish was known for his stoic demeanor and incredible longevity, playing 21 seasons in the NBA.
11. Which player won the NBA Finals MVP award during the Celtics' 2008 championship run?
Answer: C) Paul Pierce
The Story Behind the Stat: Paul Pierce was the emotional heart of the 2008 team, averaging 21.8 points per game in the Finals against the Lakers. His "wheelchair game" in Game 1 remains one of the most iconic moments in Finals history. He was rightfully named Finals MVP for his leadership and scoring.
The Story Behind the Stat: Paul Pierce was the emotional heart of the 2008 team, averaging 21.8 points per game in the Finals against the Lakers. His "wheelchair game" in Game 1 remains one of the most iconic moments in Finals history. He was rightfully named Finals MVP for his leadership and scoring.
12. Who famously shouted "Havlicek stole the ball!" during the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals?
Answer: B) Johnny Most
The Story Behind the Stat: Johnny Most was the "Voice of the Celtics" for over 30 years. His gravelly, high-energy call of John Havlicek's steal against the 76ers is considered the most famous radio call in basketball history. Most was eventually honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award.
The Story Behind the Stat: Johnny Most was the "Voice of the Celtics" for over 30 years. His gravelly, high-energy call of John Havlicek's steal against the 76ers is considered the most famous radio call in basketball history. Most was eventually honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award.
13. What was the name of the Celtics' original home arena before they moved to the TD Garden?
Answer: C) Boston Garden
The Story Behind the Stat: The original Boston Garden was famous for its cramped quarters, lack of air conditioning, and the legendary "dead spots" on the parquet floor. It served as the Celtics' home from 1946 until 1995. Many opponents believed the Celtics had a psychological advantage playing in the historic building.
The Story Behind the Stat: The original Boston Garden was famous for its cramped quarters, lack of air conditioning, and the legendary "dead spots" on the parquet floor. It served as the Celtics' home from 1946 until 1995. Many opponents believed the Celtics had a psychological advantage playing in the historic building.
14. Which Celtics player has his #00 jersey retired?
Answer: A) Robert Parish
The Story Behind the Stat: Robert Parish wore #00 throughout his 14 seasons in Boston, where he became the franchise's all-time leader in games played. The number was retired in 1998 to honor his role in the 1980s dynasty. He remains one of the most durable centers to ever play the game.
The Story Behind the Stat: Robert Parish wore #00 throughout his 14 seasons in Boston, where he became the franchise's all-time leader in games played. The number was retired in 1998 to honor his role in the 1980s dynasty. He remains one of the most durable centers to ever play the game.
15. In 1950, the Celtics made history by drafting the first African American player in NBA history. Who was he?
Answer: B) Chuck Cooper
The Story Behind the Stat: In the 1950 NBA Draft, the Celtics selected Chuck Cooper from Duquesne University in the second round. When other owners questioned the pick, Walter Brown famously said, "I don't care if he's striped, checkered, or polka-dot." Cooper broke the color barrier in the draft.
The Story Behind the Stat: In the 1950 NBA Draft, the Celtics selected Chuck Cooper from Duquesne University in the second round. When other owners questioned the pick, Walter Brown famously said, "I don't care if he's striped, checkered, or polka-dot." Cooper broke the color barrier in the draft.
16. The 1985-86 Celtics are often cited as one of the greatest teams ever. What was their home record that season?
Answer: C) 40-1
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1985-86 Celtics finished the regular season with a 67-15 record, including a nearly perfect 40-1 at home. Their only home loss came against the Portland Trail Blazers in December 1985. This home winning percentage (.976) remained an NBA record for 30 years.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1985-86 Celtics finished the regular season with a 67-15 record, including a nearly perfect 40-1 at home. Their only home loss came against the Portland Trail Blazers in December 1985. This home winning percentage (.976) remained an NBA record for 30 years.
17. Which player was nicknamed "The Truth" by Shaquille O'Neal?
Answer: B) Paul Pierce
The Story Behind the Stat: After a 2001 game where Pierce scored 42 points against the Lakers, Shaq told reporters, "Paul Pierce is the [expletive] truth." The nickname stuck for the rest of Pierce's Hall of Fame career. It perfectly described his fundamentally sound and reliable scoring ability.
The Story Behind the Stat: After a 2001 game where Pierce scored 42 points against the Lakers, Shaq told reporters, "Paul Pierce is the [expletive] truth." The nickname stuck for the rest of Pierce's Hall of Fame career. It perfectly described his fundamentally sound and reliable scoring ability.
18. Who was the head coach of the Celtics when they won their 18th NBA Championship in 2024?
Answer: C) Joe Mazzulla
The Story Behind the Stat: Joe Mazzulla led the Celtics to a dominant 64-win season and a 16-3 postseason run in 2024 to secure Banner 18. At age 35, he became the youngest head coach to win a title since Bill Russell in 1969. His analytical approach and leadership were key to the team's success.
The Story Behind the Stat: Joe Mazzulla led the Celtics to a dominant 64-win season and a 16-3 postseason run in 2024 to secure Banner 18. At age 35, he became the youngest head coach to win a title since Bill Russell in 1969. His analytical approach and leadership were key to the team's success.
19. Which member of the 1980s "Big Three" was known for his "unblockable" turnaround jump shot?
Answer: B) Kevin McHale
The Story Behind the Stat: Kevin McHale was widely considered to have the best "post game" in the history of the NBA. His long arms and array of up-and-under moves made him a nightmare to guard in the paint. Charles Barkley once called McHale the toughest player he ever had to defend.
The Story Behind the Stat: Kevin McHale was widely considered to have the best "post game" in the history of the NBA. His long arms and array of up-and-under moves made him a nightmare to guard in the paint. Charles Barkley once called McHale the toughest player he ever had to defend.
20. How many retired numbers (including special honors) do the Boston Celtics currently have?
Answer: C) 24
The Story Behind the Stat: The Celtics have retired more numbers than any other team in the NBA. This includes 22 specific player numbers, "LOSCY" for Jim Loscutoff, and "MIC" for Johnny Most. With so many numbers in the rafters, the Celtics have run out of many single-digit options for new players.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Celtics have retired more numbers than any other team in the NBA. This includes 22 specific player numbers, "LOSCY" for Jim Loscutoff, and "MIC" for Johnny Most. With so many numbers in the rafters, the Celtics have run out of many single-digit options for new players.
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