The 2016-17 Boston Celtics season was marked by significant progress and a return to prominence in the NBA. Under the leadership of head coach Brad Stevens, the team finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2008.
Key to their success was the emergence of Isaiah Thomas as a bona fide star. Thomas averaged 28.9 points per game, earning him a spot on the All-NBA Second Team and propelling the Celtics to numerous late-game victories. The addition of Al Horford during the offseason provided the team with a versatile frontcourt presence, while Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder contributed significantly on both ends of the floor.
In the playoffs, the Celtics faced a challenging path. They overcame the Chicago Bulls in the first round, despite losing the first two games at home. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Boston defeated the Washington Wizards in a hard-fought seven-game series. Ultimately, the Celtics’ playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, as LeBron James and company proved too formidable.
The 2016-17 season demonstrated the Celtics’ potential as a future powerhouse in the East, setting the stage for subsequent moves that would further elevate the franchise in the years to come.
- Regular Season Record: 53-29
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 4-2, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-3, Eastern Conference Finals: 1-4
Boston Celtics Roster and Stats for 2016-17 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Isaiah Thomas | 76 | 28.9 | 2.7 | 5.9 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 37.9 | 15 | 23.3 | 3.1 | 6.7 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 33.3 |
| Avery Bradley | 55 | 16.3 | 6.1 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 39.0 | 18 | 16.7 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 35.1 |
| Al Horford | 68 | 14.0 | 6.8 | 5.0 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 35.5 | 18 | 15.1 | 6.6 | 5.4 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 51.9 |
| Jae Crowder | 72 | 13.9 | 5.8 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 39.8 | 18 | 13.6 | 6.4 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 35.2 |
| Marcus Smart | 79 | 10.6 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 28.3 | 18 | 8.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 39.7 |
| Kelly Olynyk | 75 | 9.0 | 4.8 | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 35.4 | 18 | 9.2 | 3.2 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 31.9 |
| Jaylen Brown | 78 | 6.6 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 34.1 | 17 | 5.0 | 2.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 21.7 |
| Amir Johnson | 80 | 6.5 | 4.6 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 40.9 | 14 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 33.3 |
| Gerald Green | 47 | 5.6 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 35.1 | 13 | 7.5 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 46.7 |
| Terry Rozier | 74 | 5.5 | 3.1 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 31.8 | 17 | 5.6 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 36.8 |
| Jonas Jerebko | 78 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 34.6 | 12 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 33.3 |
| Tyler Zeller | 51 | 3.5 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 11 | 2.9 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| James Young | 29 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 34.3 | 10 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 35.7 |
| Demetrius Jackson | 5 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 100.0 | |||||||
| Jordan Mickey | 25 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 2 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 |
Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics faced a challenging first-round series against the Chicago Bulls. After dropping the first two games at home, the Celtics showcased resilience and tactical adjustments, winning the next four games to clinch the series 4-2. Isaiah Thomas delivered standout performances, despite personal challenges, leading Boston with his scoring prowess and determination.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 16, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 106-102 | |
| Apr 18, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 111-97 | |
| Apr 21, 2017 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 104-87 | |
| Apr 23, 2017 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 104-95 | |
| Apr 26, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 108-97 | |
| Apr 28, 2017 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 105-83 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Washington Wizards
In the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious in the second round by defeating the Washington Wizards in a thrilling seven-game series. Isaiah Thomas's standout performances, including a 53-point game in Game 2, were pivotal in leading the Celtics past the Wizards, who put up a fierce fight with standout contributions from John Wall and Bradley Beal. The series was marked by intense competition and a memorable Game 7 in Boston, where the Celtics' depth and home-court advantage ultimately secured their path to the Eastern Conference Finals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 123-111 | |
| May 02, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 129-119 | |
| May 04, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | L 116-89 | |
| May 07, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | L 121-102 | |
| May 10, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 123-101 | |
| May 12, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | L 92-91 | |
| May 15, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 115-105 |
2017 Conference Championship vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
In the 2017 NBA Playoffs, the Boston Celtics reached the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing resilience and skill under head coach Brad Stevens. Despite being the top seed, the Celtics faced a formidable Cleveland Cavaliers team led by LeBron James, ultimately falling in five games. The series highlighted the emergence of Isaiah Thomas as a playoff star, though his hip injury in Game 2 significantly impacted Boston's chances.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 17, 2017 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 117-104 | |
| May 19, 2017 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 130-86 | |
| May 21, 2017 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 111-108 | |
| May 23, 2017 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 112-99 | |
| May 25, 2017 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 135-102 |
Boston Celtics 2016-17 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2016-17 season for the Boston Celtics.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2016 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 122-117 | |
| Oct 27, 2016 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 105-99 | |
| Oct 29, 2016 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 104-98 | |
| Nov 02, 2016 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 107-100 | |
| Nov 03, 2016 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 128-122 | |
| Nov 06, 2016 | vs. Denver Nuggets | L 123-107 | |
| Nov 09, 2016 | @ Washington Wizards | L 118-93 | |
| Nov 11, 2016 | vs. New York Knicks | W 115-87 | |
| Nov 12, 2016 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 105-99 | |
| Nov 14, 2016 | @ New Orleans Pelicans | L 106-105 | |
| Nov 16, 2016 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 90-83 | |
| Nov 18, 2016 | vs. Golden State Warriors | L 104-88 | |
| Nov 19, 2016 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 94-92 | |
| Nov 21, 2016 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 99-93 | |
| Nov 23, 2016 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 111-92 | |
| Nov 25, 2016 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 109-103 | |
| Nov 28, 2016 | @ Miami Heat | W 112-104 | |
| Nov 30, 2016 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 121-114 | |
| Dec 02, 2016 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 97-92 | |
| Dec 03, 2016 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 107-106 | |
| Dec 05, 2016 | @ Houston Rockets | L 107-106 | |
| Dec 07, 2016 | @ Orlando Magic | W 117-87 | |
| Dec 09, 2016 | vs. Toronto Raptors | L 101-94 | |
| Dec 11, 2016 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L 99-96 | |
| Dec 14, 2016 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 108-101 | |
| Dec 16, 2016 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 96-88 | |
| Dec 18, 2016 | @ Miami Heat | W 105-95 | |
| Dec 20, 2016 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 112-109 | |
| Dec 22, 2016 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 109-102 | |
| Dec 23, 2016 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | L 117-112 | |
| Dec 25, 2016 | @ New York Knicks | W 119-114 | |
| Dec 27, 2016 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 113-103 | |
| Dec 29, 2016 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 124-118 | |
| Dec 30, 2016 | vs. Miami Heat | W 117-114 | |
| Jan 03, 2017 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 115-104 | |
| Jan 06, 2017 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 110-106 | |
| Jan 07, 2017 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | W 117-108 | |
| Jan 10, 2017 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 114-106 | |
| Jan 11, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 117-108 | |
| Jan 13, 2017 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 103-101 | |
| Jan 16, 2017 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 108-98 | |
| Jan 18, 2017 | vs. New York Knicks | L 117-106 | |
| Jan 21, 2017 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | L 127-123 | |
| Jan 24, 2017 | @ Washington Wizards | L 123-108 | |
| Jan 25, 2017 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 120-109 | |
| Jan 27, 2017 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 128-98 | |
| Jan 28, 2017 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-108 | |
| Jan 30, 2017 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 113-109 | |
| Feb 01, 2017 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 109-104 | |
| Feb 03, 2017 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 113-107 | |
| Feb 05, 2017 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 107-102 | |
| Feb 08, 2017 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 108-92 | |
| Feb 09, 2017 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 120-111 | |
| Feb 11, 2017 | @ Utah Jazz | W 112-104 | |
| Feb 13, 2017 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 111-98 | |
| Feb 15, 2017 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 116-108 | |
| Feb 16, 2017 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 104-103 | |
| Feb 24, 2017 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 107-97 | |
| Feb 26, 2017 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 104-98 | |
| Feb 27, 2017 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L 114-98 | |
| Mar 01, 2017 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 103-99 | |
| Mar 03, 2017 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 115-95 | |
| Mar 05, 2017 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 109-106 | |
| Mar 06, 2017 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | L 116-102 | |
| Mar 08, 2017 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 99-86 | |
| Mar 10, 2017 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 119-99 | |
| Mar 12, 2017 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 100-80 | |
| Mar 15, 2017 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 117-104 | |
| Mar 17, 2017 | @ Brooklyn Nets | W 98-95 | |
| Mar 19, 2017 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 105-99 | |
| Mar 20, 2017 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 110-102 | |
| Mar 22, 2017 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 109-100 | |
| Mar 24, 2017 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 130-120 | |
| Mar 26, 2017 | vs. Miami Heat | W 112-108 | |
| Mar 29, 2017 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | L 103-100 | |
| Mar 31, 2017 | vs. Orlando Magic | W 117-116 | |
| Apr 02, 2017 | @ New York Knicks | W 110-94 | |
| Apr 05, 2017 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 114-91 | |
| Apr 06, 2017 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 123-116 | |
| Apr 08, 2017 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 121-114 | |
| Apr 10, 2017 | vs. Brooklyn Nets | W 114-105 | |
| Apr 12, 2017 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 112-94 |