The 2010-11 Boston Celtics season was marked by high expectations following their appearance in the NBA Finals the previous year. The team, led by the experienced trio of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, aimed to contend for another championship. Rajon Rondo continued to evolve as a premier point guard, leading the league in assists per game.
Throughout the regular season, the Celtics maintained a strong performance, finishing with a 56-26 record. They secured the third seed in the Eastern Conference. A mid-season trade saw them send Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move that sparked debate regarding the team’s interior defense and chemistry.
Entering the playoffs, Boston faced the New York Knicks in the first round, sweeping them in four games. However, the Eastern Conference Semifinals proved challenging as they matched up against the Miami Heat, who had formed their own “big three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. The Celtics struggled to contain the Heat’s dynamic play, ultimately losing the series in five games, ending their playoff run.
The 2010-11 season highlighted the Celtics’ continued status as contenders but also underscored the challenges of competing against younger, athletically dynamic teams. The campaign would be remembered for its strong start, controversial trade decisions, and eventual playoff shortfall against a burgeoning rival. The season prompted discussions on the team’s future direction and the evolving power balance in the Eastern Conference.
- Regular Season Record: 56-26
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 1-4
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 2010-11 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Paul Pierce | 80 | 18.9 | 5.4 | 3.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 37.4 | 9 | 20.8 | 5.0 | 2.8 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 44.7 |
| Ray Allen | 80 | 16.5 | 3.4 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 44.4 | 9 | 18.9 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 57.1 |
| Kevin Garnett | 71 | 14.9 | 8.9 | 2.4 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 20.0 | 9 | 14.9 | 10.9 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Glen Davis | 78 | 11.7 | 5.4 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 13.3 | 9 | 4.9 | 3.6 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Rajon Rondo | 68 | 10.6 | 4.4 | 11.2 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 23.3 | 9 | 14.0 | 5.4 | 9.6 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jeff Green | 26 | 9.8 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 29.6 | 9 | 7.3 | 2.7 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 43.8 |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 37 | 9.2 | 4.8 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 2 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Nenad Krstić | 24 | 9.1 | 5.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Kendrick Perkins | 12 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Nate Robinson | 55 | 7.1 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 32.8 | |||||||
| Delonte West | 24 | 5.6 | 1.5 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 36.4 | 9 | 6.6 | 1.9 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 36.8 |
| Marquis Daniels | 49 | 5.5 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 19.0 | |||||||
| Jermaine O'Neal | 24 | 5.4 | 3.7 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 9 | 5.8 | 4.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 0.0 |
| Semih Erden | 37 | 4.1 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Von Wafer | 58 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 26.9 | 3 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Troy Murphy | 17 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 10.0 | 1 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Carlos Arroyo | 15 | 2.4 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 60.0 | |||||||
| Luke Harangody | 28 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 20.0 | |||||||
| Sasha Pavlović | 17 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 50.0 | |||||||
| Avery Bradley | 31 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Chris Johnson | 4 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 | |||||||
Boston Celtics in the 2011 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New York Knicks
In the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics showcased their veteran prowess by sweeping the New York Knicks in a commanding 4-0 series victory. Led by the formidable trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, the Celtics' defense stifled the Knicks, while Rajon Rondo's playmaking ensured a seamless offensive flow. This sweep underscored Boston's intention to contend fiercely for the championship, despite their aging core.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 2011 | vs. New York Knicks | W 87-85 | |
| Apr 19, 2011 | vs. New York Knicks | W 96-93 | |
| Apr 22, 2011 | @ New York Knicks | W 113-96 | |
| Apr 24, 2011 | @ New York Knicks | W 101-89 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Miami Heat
In the second round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced the Miami Heat, who were led by their newly formed u0022Big Threeu0022 of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Despite Boston's own veteran core of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, the Celtics struggled to match Miami's intensity, ultimately losing the series 4-1. This marked a pivotal moment in the Eastern Conference, as Miami's victory signaled a shift in power and the beginning of their dominance in the years that followed.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 01, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | L 99-90 | |
| May 03, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | L 102-91 | |
| May 07, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | W 97-81 | |
| May 09, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | L 98-90 | |
| May 11, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | L 97-87 |
Boston Celtics 2010-11 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2010-11 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2010 | vs. Miami Heat | W 88-80 | |
| Oct 27, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 95-87 | |
| Oct 29, 2010 | vs. New York Knicks | W 105-101 | |
| Nov 02, 2010 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 109-86 | |
| Nov 03, 2010 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 105-102 | |
| Nov 05, 2010 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 110-105 | |
| Nov 07, 2010 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 92-83 | |
| Nov 08, 2010 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 89-87 | |
| Nov 11, 2010 | @ Miami Heat | W 112-107 | |
| Nov 13, 2010 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 116-110 | |
| Nov 17, 2010 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 114-83 | |
| Nov 19, 2010 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | L 89-84 | |
| Nov 21, 2010 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 102-101 | |
| Nov 22, 2010 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 99-76 | |
| Nov 24, 2010 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 89-83 | |
| Nov 26, 2010 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 110-101 | |
| Nov 30, 2010 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 106-87 | |
| Dec 01, 2010 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 99-95 | |
| Dec 03, 2010 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 104-92 | |
| Dec 05, 2010 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 100-75 | |
| Dec 08, 2010 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 105-89 | |
| Dec 09, 2010 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 102-101 | |
| Dec 11, 2010 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 93-62 | |
| Dec 15, 2010 | @ New York Knicks | W 118-116 | |
| Dec 16, 2010 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 102-90 | |
| Dec 19, 2010 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 99-88 | |
| Dec 22, 2010 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 84-80 | |
| Dec 25, 2010 | @ Orlando Magic | L 86-78 | |
| Dec 28, 2010 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 95-83 | |
| Dec 29, 2010 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 104-92 | |
| Dec 31, 2010 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | L 83-81 | |
| Jan 02, 2011 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 93-79 | |
| Jan 03, 2011 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 96-93 | |
| Jan 05, 2011 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 105-103 | |
| Jan 07, 2011 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 122-102 | |
| Jan 08, 2011 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 90-79 | |
| Jan 10, 2011 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 108-102 | |
| Jan 12, 2011 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 119-95 | |
| Jan 14, 2011 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 99-94 | |
| Jan 17, 2011 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 109-106 | |
| Jan 19, 2011 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 86-82 | |
| Jan 21, 2011 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 110-86 | |
| Jan 22, 2011 | @ Washington Wizards | L 85-83 | |
| Jan 25, 2011 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 112-95 | |
| Jan 27, 2011 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 88-78 | |
| Jan 28, 2011 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 88-71 | |
| Jan 30, 2011 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 109-96 | |
| Feb 01, 2011 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 95-90 | |
| Feb 04, 2011 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | L 101-97 | |
| Feb 06, 2011 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 91-80 | |
| Feb 07, 2011 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | L 94-89 | |
| Feb 10, 2011 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 92-86 | |
| Feb 13, 2011 | vs. Miami Heat | W 85-82 | |
| Feb 16, 2011 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 94-80 | |
| Feb 22, 2011 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 115-93 | |
| Feb 24, 2011 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 89-75 | |
| Feb 26, 2011 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 99-92 | |
| Feb 28, 2011 | @ Utah Jazz | W 107-102 | |
| Mar 02, 2011 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 115-103 | |
| Mar 04, 2011 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 107-103 | |
| Mar 06, 2011 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 89-83 | |
| Mar 09, 2011 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | L 108-103 | |
| Mar 11, 2011 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 89-86 | |
| Mar 13, 2011 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 87-56 | |
| Mar 14, 2011 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 88-79 | |
| Mar 16, 2011 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 92-80 | |
| Mar 18, 2011 | @ Houston Rockets | L 93-77 | |
| Mar 19, 2011 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 89-85 | |
| Mar 21, 2011 | @ New York Knicks | W 96-86 | |
| Mar 23, 2011 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | L 90-87 | |
| Mar 25, 2011 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | L 83-81 | |
| Mar 27, 2011 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 85-82 | |
| Mar 28, 2011 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 107-100 | |
| Mar 31, 2011 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 107-97 | |
| Apr 01, 2011 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 88-83 | |
| Apr 03, 2011 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 101-90 | |
| Apr 05, 2011 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 99-82 | |
| Apr 07, 2011 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 97-81 | |
| Apr 08, 2011 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 104-88 | |
| Apr 10, 2011 | @ Miami Heat | L 100-77 | |
| Apr 11, 2011 | @ Washington Wizards | L 95-94 | |
| Apr 13, 2011 | vs. New York Knicks | W 112-102 |