Boston Celtics · Franchise era 3 of 7
Havlicek and Cowens: the Boston Celtics story
Franchise era
1969–70—1978–79
Havlicek and Cowens
Boston Celtics
The story in one sentence
Boston rebuilt without collapsing, winning titles in 1974 and 1976 behind Havlicek's endurance, Cowens's energy and White's control.
01
A second championship core
02
John Havlicek, Dave Cowens and Jo Jo White gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for the bird years.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1969–70
What came before
Russell made defense, rebounding and team play the center of the sport, leading the most concentrated championship run in NBA history.
1974
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks
1976
NBA Finals: Boston Celtics vs Phoenix Suns
1977
Eastern Conference Semifinals: Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers
After 1978–79
What came next
Bird restored Boston's place at the center of the league, and the frontcourt he formed with McHale and Parish won three titles.
The core