The 1985-86 Boston Celtics had a remarkable season, solidifying their place in NBA history. Under head coach K.C. Jones, the team finished with a stellar 67-15 regular-season record, the best in the league. This success was largely due to the exceptional play of Larry Bird, who won his third consecutive NBA MVP award. Bird was supported by a talented roster, including Kevin McHale, Robert Parish, Dennis Johnson, and Danny Ainge.
The Celtics dominated the Eastern Conference, demonstrating their strength in both offense and defense. They were particularly formidable at home, achieving a 40-1 record at the Boston Garden. In the playoffs, the Celtics continued their dominance, sweeping the Chicago Bulls in the first round. They then faced the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, defeating them 4-1. In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics overcame the Milwaukee Bucks in a 4-0 sweep.
In the NBA Finals, the Celtics faced the Houston Rockets, who were led by the formidable “Twin Towers” of Hakeem Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson. The Celtics won the series 4-2, capturing their 16th NBA Championship. Larry Bird was named the Finals MVP, averaging 24 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game in the series. The 1985-86 season is remembered as one of the greatest in NBA history, highlighting the Celtics’ dominance during the 1980s.
- Regular Season Record: 67-15
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-0, NBA Finals: 4-2
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 1985-86 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Larry Bird | 82 | 25.8 | 9.8 | 6.8 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 42.3 | 18 | 25.9 | 9.3 | 8.2 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 41.1 |
| Kevin McHale | 68 | 21.3 | 8.1 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 18 | 24.9 | 8.6 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 2.4 | 0.0 |
| Robert Parish | 81 | 16.1 | 9.5 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 18 | 15.0 | 8.8 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 0.0 |
| Dennis Johnson | 78 | 15.6 | 3.4 | 5.8 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 14.3 | 18 | 16.2 | 4.2 | 5.9 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 37.5 |
| Danny Ainge | 80 | 10.7 | 2.9 | 5.0 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 35.6 | 18 | 15.6 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 2.3 | 0.1 | 41.2 |
| Scott Wedman | 79 | 8.0 | 2.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 35.4 | 12 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 50.0 |
| Bill Walton | 80 | 7.6 | 6.8 | 2.1 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 16 | 7.9 | 6.3 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.0 |
| Jerry Sichting | 82 | 6.5 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 37.5 | 18 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| David Thirdkill | 49 | 3.3 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 13 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Sam Vincent | 57 | 3.2 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 24.9 | 9 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Sly Williams | 6 | 2.8 | 2.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | |||||||
| Rick Carlisle | 77 | 2.6 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 10 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Greg Kite | 64 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 13 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
Boston Celtics in the 1986 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Chicago Bulls
In the first round of the 1986 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics showcased their dominance by sweeping the Chicago Bulls in a 3-0 series. Led by Larry Bird, who was in peak form, the Celtics outclassed the Bulls despite Michael Jordan's remarkable 63-point performance in Game 2. This series set the tone for Boston's championship-winning campaign, highlighting their depth and defensive prowess.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 17, 1986 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 123-104 | |
| Apr 20, 1986 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 135-131 | |
| Apr 22, 1986 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 122-104 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Atlanta Hawks
In the 1986 NBA Playoffs' second round, the Boston Celtics showcased their dominance by sweeping the Atlanta Hawks in a decisive 4-0 series victory. Led by the legendary Larry Bird, the Celtics' cohesive team play and stifling defense dismantled Atlanta, setting the stage for their eventual championship run. This series further cemented the Celtics' reputation as a powerhouse in the 1980s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27, 1986 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 103-91 | |
| Apr 29, 1986 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 119-108 | |
| May 02, 1986 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 111-107 | |
| May 04, 1986 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 106-94 | |
| May 06, 1986 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 132-99 |
1986 Conference Championship vs. Milwaukee Bucks
In the 1986 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics showcased their dominance in the Eastern Conference Finals by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks in a commanding sweep. Led by the legendary Larry Bird, who was at the peak of his powers, the Celtics exhibited exceptional teamwork and versatility, paving their way to the NBA Finals. Their performance in this series underscored their status as one of the greatest teams in NBA history.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 1986 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 128-96 | |
| May 15, 1986 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 122-111 | |
| May 17, 1986 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 111-107 | |
| May 18, 1986 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 111-98 |
1986 NBA Finals vs. Houston Rockets
In the 1986 NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics showcased their dominance by defeating the Houston Rockets in six games, capturing their 16th championship. Led by Larry Bird, who was named Finals MVP, the Celtics' blend of veteran leadership and strategic play made them a formidable force, solidifying their place in NBA history as one of the most talented and cohesive teams of the era. Their depth and versatility overwhelmed the Rockets, highlighting the Celtics' exceptional teamwork and resilience.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 26, 1986 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 112-100 | |
| May 29, 1986 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 117-95 | |
| Jun 01, 1986 | @ Houston Rockets | L 106-104 | |
| Jun 03, 1986 | @ Houston Rockets | W 106-103 | |
| Jun 05, 1986 | @ Houston Rockets | L 111-96 | |
| Jun 08, 1986 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 114-97 |
Boston Celtics 1985-86 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1985-86 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25, 1985 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 113-109 | |
| Oct 26, 1985 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 105-100 | |
| Oct 30, 1985 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 117-106 | |
| Nov 01, 1985 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 109-105 | |
| Nov 02, 1985 | @ Washington Bullets | W 88-73 | |
| Nov 08, 1985 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 125-101 | |
| Nov 09, 1985 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 124-105 | |
| Nov 13, 1985 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 118-114 | |
| Nov 15, 1985 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 118-114 | |
| Nov 16, 1985 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 111-109 | |
| Nov 20, 1985 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 115-106 | |
| Nov 22, 1985 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 110-103 | |
| Nov 23, 1985 | @ New York Knicks | W 113-104 | |
| Nov 26, 1985 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 98-91 | |
| Nov 27, 1985 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 132-124 | |
| Nov 29, 1985 | vs. New York Knicks | W 94-88 | |
| Nov 30, 1985 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 102-97 | |
| Dec 03, 1985 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-109 | |
| Dec 04, 1985 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 130-111 | |
| Dec 06, 1985 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 121-103 | |
| Dec 10, 1985 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 114-110 | |
| Dec 11, 1985 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 118-101 | |
| Dec 14, 1985 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 109-99 | |
| Dec 15, 1985 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 109-104 | |
| Dec 17, 1985 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 116-108 | |
| Dec 18, 1985 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 137-117 | |
| Dec 21, 1985 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 108-102 | |
| Dec 25, 1985 | @ New York Knicks | L 113-104 | |
| Dec 28, 1985 | @ Utah Jazz | W 110-108 | |
| Dec 30, 1985 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 125-103 | |
| Jan 02, 1986 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 122-104 | |
| Jan 03, 1986 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 129-117 | |
| Jan 07, 1986 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 113-109 | |
| Jan 08, 1986 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 126-95 | |
| Jan 10, 1986 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 115-108 | |
| Jan 15, 1986 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 123-100 | |
| Jan 17, 1986 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 123-105 | |
| Jan 18, 1986 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 125-122 | |
| Jan 22, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 110-95 | |
| Jan 24, 1986 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 135-114 | |
| Jan 26, 1986 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 105-103 | |
| Jan 30, 1986 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 101-91 | |
| Jan 31, 1986 | @ Washington Bullets | W 97-88 | |
| Feb 02, 1986 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 114-101 | |
| Feb 04, 1986 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-93 | |
| Feb 05, 1986 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 103-88 | |
| Feb 11, 1986 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 105-100 | |
| Feb 13, 1986 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | W 107-98 | |
| Feb 14, 1986 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 120-119 | |
| Feb 16, 1986 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 105-99 | |
| Feb 17, 1986 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 108-101 | |
| Feb 19, 1986 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 115-100 | |
| Feb 20, 1986 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 102-100 | |
| Feb 23, 1986 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 113-98 | |
| Feb 25, 1986 | @ New York Knicks | W 91-74 | |
| Feb 26, 1986 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 120-100 | |
| Feb 28, 1986 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 124-108 | |
| Mar 02, 1986 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 129-109 | |
| Mar 04, 1986 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 106-94 | |
| Mar 05, 1986 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 108-97 | |
| Mar 07, 1986 | vs. New York Knicks | W 115-108 | |
| Mar 08, 1986 | @ Washington Bullets | L 110-108 | |
| Mar 10, 1986 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 116-115 | |
| Mar 11, 1986 | @ Houston Rockets | W 116-104 | |
| Mar 13, 1986 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 135-119 | |
| Mar 14, 1986 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 121-114 | |
| Mar 16, 1986 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 118-101 | |
| Mar 18, 1986 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 126-96 | |
| Mar 19, 1986 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 127-108 | |
| Mar 21, 1986 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 126-105 | |
| Mar 24, 1986 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 114-107 | |
| Mar 26, 1986 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 121-115 | |
| Mar 28, 1986 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 116-97 | |
| Mar 30, 1986 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 122-117 | |
| Apr 01, 1986 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 123-105 | |
| Apr 02, 1986 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 122-106 | |
| Apr 04, 1986 | vs. New York Knicks | W 119-98 | |
| Apr 06, 1986 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 95-94 | |
| Apr 08, 1986 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 126-114 | |
| Apr 09, 1986 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 108-98 | |
| Apr 11, 1986 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 117-104 | |
| Apr 13, 1986 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 135-107 |