Boston Celtics · Franchise era 2 of 7
Russell's dynasty: the Boston Celtics story
Franchise era
1956–57—1968–69
Russell's dynasty
Boston Celtics
The story in one sentence
Russell made defense, rebounding and team play the center of the sport, leading the most concentrated championship run in NBA history.
01
Eleven championships in thirteen seasons
02
Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, Sam Jones and John Havlicek gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for havlicek and cowens.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1956–57
What came before
Cousy and Sharman made Boston exciting and competitive while Red Auerbach assembled the pieces for a historic leap.
1962
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers
1969
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers
After 1968–69
What came next
Boston rebuilt without collapsing, winning titles in 1974 and 1976 behind Havlicek's endurance, Cowens's energy and White's control.
The core