The 2009-10 Boston Celtics season was marked by a determined pursuit of redemption following their loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals the previous year. Coached by Doc Rivers, the team aimed to recapture the championship form of 2008. The Celtics finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, securing the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Key players included Paul Pierce, who led the team with his scoring prowess, and Kevin Garnett, whose defensive skills were crucial. Ray Allen remained a reliable outside shooter, while Rajon Rondo continued to develop into one of the league’s premier point guards, leading the team in assists and steals. The Celtics also benefited from the veteran presence of Rasheed Wallace, who added depth to the frontcourt.
In the playoffs, Boston’s experience and resilience shone through. They defeated the Miami Heat in the first round, followed by an impressive series win against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Semifinals. The Celtics then overcame the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals, earning a spot in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, a rematch of the 2008 Finals.
The Finals were a hard-fought battle, extending to seven games. Despite a strong effort, the Celtics were ultimately defeated by the Lakers, who clinched the championship with an 83-79 victory in Game 7. The season, though ending in disappointment, demonstrated the Celtics’ enduring competitiveness and set the stage for future contention.
- Regular Season Record: 50-32
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-2, NBA Finals: 3-4
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 2009-10 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Paul Pierce | 71 | 18.3 | 4.4 | 3.1 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 41.4 | 24 | 18.8 | 6.0 | 3.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 39.2 |
| Ray Allen | 80 | 16.3 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 36.3 | 24 | 16.1 | 3.3 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 38.6 |
| Kevin Garnett | 69 | 14.3 | 7.3 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 20.0 | 23 | 15.0 | 7.4 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.0 |
| Rajon Rondo | 81 | 13.7 | 4.4 | 9.8 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 21.3 | 24 | 15.8 | 5.6 | 9.3 | 1.9 | 0.1 | 37.5 |
| Kendrick Perkins | 78 | 10.1 | 7.6 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 0.0 | 23 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.0 |
| Rasheed Wallace | 79 | 9.0 | 4.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 28.3 | 24 | 6.1 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 34.5 |
| Eddie House | 50 | 7.2 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 38.3 | |||||||
| Oliver Lafayette | 1 | 7.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 | |||||||
| Nate Robinson | 26 | 6.5 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 41.4 | 17 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 33.3 |
| Glen Davis | 54 | 6.3 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 24 | 7.3 | 4.5 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Tony Allen | 54 | 6.1 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 24 | 5.1 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Marquis Daniels | 51 | 5.6 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 21.4 | 11 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 50.0 |
| Michael Finley | 21 | 5.2 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 46.3 | 18 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 27.3 |
| Shelden Williams | 54 | 3.7 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 8 | 1.6 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Brian Scalabrine | 52 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 32.7 | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Lester Hudson | 16 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 60.0 | |||||||
| J.R. Giddens | 21 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Henry Walker | 8 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Marcus Landry | 1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Miami Heat
In the first round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Miami Heat, securing a series victory in five games. The Celtics' experienced roster, led by the formidable trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, proved too powerful for Miami. Rajon Rondo's dynamic playmaking was a key factor, setting the tone for Boston's deep playoff run that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | W 85-76 | |
| Apr 20, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | W 106-77 | |
| Apr 23, 2010 | @ Miami Heat | W 100-98 | |
| Apr 25, 2010 | @ Miami Heat | L 101-92 | |
| Apr 27, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | W 96-86 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and delivered an impressive performance. Despite the Cavaliers having the league MVP, LeBron James, the Celtics, led by their veteran core of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo, managed to defeat Cleveland in six games. Their defensive tenacity and experience were pivotal in overcoming the top-seeded Cavaliers, paving the way for their journey to the NBA Finals that year.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 101-93 | |
| May 03, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 104-86 | |
| May 07, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 124-95 | |
| May 09, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 97-87 | |
| May 11, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 120-88 | |
| May 13, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 94-85 |
2010 Conference Championship vs. Orlando Magic
In the 2010 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics demonstrated resilience and experience in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Orlando Magic in six games. With a balanced attack anchored by the veteran presence of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Celtics leveraged their defensive prowess and playoff experience to advance to the NBA Finals. Rajon Rondo's dynamic playmaking also proved critical, as he consistently disrupted the Magic's defense and energized the Celtics' offense.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2010 | @ Orlando Magic | W 92-88 | |
| May 18, 2010 | @ Orlando Magic | W 95-92 | |
| May 22, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 94-71 | |
| May 24, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 96-92 | |
| May 26, 2010 | @ Orlando Magic | L 113-92 | |
| May 28, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 96-84 |
2010 NBA Finals vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 2010 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a classic rivalry matchup that extended to seven thrilling games. Despite a strong performance from their u0022Big Threeu0022 of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Celtics fell short in Game 7, losing 83-79 at the Staples Center. Their gritty defense and teamwork were hallmarks of their run, but ultimately, they couldn’t overcome Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, who secured their 16th championship title.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 03, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 102-89 | |
| Jun 06, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 103-94 | |
| Jun 08, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 91-84 | |
| Jun 10, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 96-89 | |
| Jun 13, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 92-86 | |
| Jun 15, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 89-67 | |
| Jun 17, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 83-79 |
Boston Celtics 2009-10 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2009-10 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 27, 2009 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 95-89 | |
| Oct 28, 2009 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 92-59 | |
| Oct 30, 2009 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 118-90 | |
| Nov 01, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 97-87 | |
| Nov 03, 2009 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 105-74 | |
| Nov 04, 2009 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 92-90 | |
| Nov 06, 2009 | vs. Phoenix Suns | L 110-103 | |
| Nov 07, 2009 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 86-76 | |
| Nov 11, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 105-86 | |
| Nov 13, 2009 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 97-86 | |
| Nov 14, 2009 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 113-104 | |
| Nov 18, 2009 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 109-95 | |
| Nov 20, 2009 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 83-78 | |
| Nov 22, 2009 | @ New York Knicks | W 107-105 | |
| Nov 25, 2009 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 113-110 | |
| Nov 27, 2009 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 116-103 | |
| Nov 29, 2009 | @ Miami Heat | W 92-85 | |
| Dec 01, 2009 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 108-90 | |
| Dec 03, 2009 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 90-83 | |
| Dec 04, 2009 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 105-87 | |
| Dec 08, 2009 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 98-89 | |
| Dec 10, 2009 | @ Washington Wizards | W 104-102 | |
| Dec 12, 2009 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 106-80 | |
| Dec 14, 2009 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 110-105 | |
| Dec 18, 2009 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | L 98-97 | |
| Dec 20, 2009 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 122-104 | |
| Dec 22, 2009 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 103-94 | |
| Dec 25, 2009 | @ Orlando Magic | W 86-77 | |
| Dec 27, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 92-90 | |
| Dec 28, 2009 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 103-99 | |
| Dec 30, 2009 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 116-98 | |
| Jan 02, 2010 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 103-96 | |
| Jan 06, 2010 | @ Miami Heat | W 112-106 | |
| Jan 08, 2010 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 93-85 | |
| Jan 10, 2010 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 114-107 | |
| Jan 11, 2010 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 102-96 | |
| Jan 13, 2010 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 111-87 | |
| Jan 14, 2010 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 96-83 | |
| Jan 18, 2010 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 99-90 | |
| Jan 20, 2010 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 92-86 | |
| Jan 22, 2010 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 98-95 | |
| Jan 25, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 95-89 | |
| Jan 28, 2010 | @ Orlando Magic | L 96-94 | |
| Jan 29, 2010 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 100-91 | |
| Jan 31, 2010 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 90-89 | |
| Feb 01, 2010 | @ Washington Wizards | W 99-88 | |
| Feb 03, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | W 107-102 | |
| Feb 05, 2010 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 96-87 | |
| Feb 07, 2010 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 96-89 | |
| Feb 10, 2010 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 93-85 | |
| Feb 16, 2010 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 95-92 | |
| Feb 18, 2010 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 87-86 | |
| Feb 19, 2010 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 96-76 | |
| Feb 21, 2010 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 114-105 | |
| Feb 23, 2010 | vs. New York Knicks | W 110-106 | |
| Feb 25, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 108-88 | |
| Feb 27, 2010 | vs. New Jersey Nets | L 104-96 | |
| Mar 02, 2010 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 105-100 | |
| Mar 03, 2010 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 104-80 | |
| Mar 05, 2010 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 96-86 | |
| Mar 07, 2010 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 86-83 | |
| Mar 09, 2010 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 86-84 | |
| Mar 10, 2010 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 111-91 | |
| Mar 12, 2010 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 122-103 | |
| Mar 14, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 104-93 | |
| Mar 15, 2010 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 119-93 | |
| Mar 17, 2010 | vs. New York Knicks | W 109-97 | |
| Mar 19, 2010 | @ Houston Rockets | W 94-87 | |
| Mar 20, 2010 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 102-93 | |
| Mar 22, 2010 | @ Utah Jazz | L 110-97 | |
| Mar 24, 2010 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 113-99 | |
| Mar 26, 2010 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 94-86 | |
| Mar 28, 2010 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 94-73 | |
| Mar 31, 2010 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | L 109-104 | |
| Apr 02, 2010 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 119-114 | |
| Apr 04, 2010 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 117-113 | |
| Apr 06, 2010 | @ New York Knicks | L 104-101 | |
| Apr 07, 2010 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 115-104 | |
| Apr 09, 2010 | vs. Washington Wizards | L 106-96 | |
| Apr 10, 2010 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 105-90 | |
| Apr 13, 2010 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 101-93 | |
| Apr 14, 2010 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 106-95 |