THAT CHAMPIONSHIP FEELING: The Story of the Boston Celtics

A sound assessment of the greatest dynasty in professional sports history. Founded in 1946 by their charitable owner Walter Brown, the Boston franchise floundered for several years until the hiring of coach Arnold (""Red"") Auerbach in 1950. ""Easy Ed"" Macauley, Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman went on to score enough points to keep the Celtics contenders. Still, the team didn't go all the way until the addition of center Bill Russell during the '56-'57 season. With Russell's defensive expertise and a nucleus of Ramsey, Heinsohn, John Havlicek, and the two Joneses', Sam and K.C., Boston captured eight consecutive NBA championships, 9 in 10 years and 11 in 13. Their team's phenomenal success was achieved in spite of a precarious financial situation and several key retirements. And although the club underwent a rebuilding period between 1969-73, the Celtics name continued to ""symbolize class, style, greatness."" The 1974 NBA title was gained with a new crop of players (White, Chancy, Cowens & Silas) plus that old winning tradition instilled by veterans Havlicek and Nelson. Commendably comprehensive compared to the recent Celtics Pride (p. 225).